Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev was a stunning affair that left fight fans at the edge of their seats in anticipation. A stunning revelation came about after the fight. Former UFC fighter, Yves Edwards recently disclosed that Dustin Poirier entered his UFC 302 title fight against Islam Makhachev a bit compromised.
Speaking on SiriusXM‘s MMA Today, Edwards, who trains at American Top Team alongside Dustin Poirier, dropped a bombshell. He revealed that ‘Diamond’ hurt his ribs just two weeks before the biggest fight of his career. The injury was such that Poirier couldn’t wrestle or grapple for over two weeks leading up to his battle.
Nobody knows this, and he’s probably gonna be like ‘Why did you put that out there’… He hurt his ribs like two weeks before the fight and hadn’t wrestled or grappled for two, two-and-a-half weeks. I probably shouldn’t (say it) but to me, it’s more impressive. Against that guy, like you wrestled against that guy with hurt ribs, okay, I’m impressed.
Yves Edwards via MMA Today
Edwards marveled at how Poirier managed to defend nine takedown attempts. These defenses were one of the most smothering grapplers in MMA history while dealing with a rib injury. The revelation adds even more respect to Poirier’s gritty display against Islam Makhachev. It also shows just how tantalizingly close “Diamond” may have come to actually solving the “Dagestani puzzle” at UFC 302.
For most fighters, broken ribs two weeks out would mean postponing or pulling out entirely. For the ultra-tough Poirier, it was simply another obstacle to “fight through,” as he’s done countless times throughout his career. It must be noted that Islam Makhachev was also coming off a nasty Staph infection.
Dustin Poirier unsure of his future in the UFC
In the emotional aftermath of his third failed UFC title bid, Dustin Poirier opened up about the difficulties of his UFC 302 loss to Islam Makhachev. He revealed the doubts lingering over his fighting future after the absolute banger against Makhachev.
Dustin Poirier contemplates his future (via Kevin Iole)The proud Louisiana native exhibited his trademark grit by pushing Makhachev to the brink. However, a fifth-round submission defeat left Poirier contemplating whether another championship run is realistically attainable at age 35.
I was fighting to be the world champion. Like, what else am I fighting for? Just to fight for the thrill? Because I am addicted to it, no doubt. For the money? Me and my family are good, I don’t need the money. Money’s great but my health is first.
Dustin Poirier via the post-fight press conference
Dustin Poirier explains what went wrong against Islam Makhachev and the difficult decision he now faces regarding the future of his career
“This could be my last fight. I don’t know. I’ve just got to get home and see what I’m fighting for”#UFC302 https://t.co/CLQqzgV3Da
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) June 2, 2024
With financial security covered, the only driving motivation for Poirier is achieving his ultimate dream of becoming the undisputed UFC champion. But that’s proven an agonizingly elusive pursuit through three cracks at UFC gold. Poirier isn’t sure if he will ever get that opportunity again. If Poirier does walk away, he’ll do so assured that championship-level heart and grit can never be questioned, even if the coveted belt continues to elude his grasp.
