Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev put on an absolute banger of a fight in the main event of UFC 302. After four rounds of back and forth, Islam Makhachev finally took home the victory. While Poirier had immense support from his fans, the ‘Diamond’ couldn’t outshine the Dagestani boogeyman.
Going into the fight, Dustin Poirier had talked about potentially retiring from the sport. Many fans saw this as a great opportunity for the legend to go out as a UFC champion. In the end, it did not happen. During the octagon interview, Poirier mentioned that he isn’t sure about his retirement and praised the women in his life for positively impacting him.
I’m not a 100 percent but if this is my last fight. I wanted to dedicate the journey to the people who made me the man I am and that’s the women in my life. To my grandmother,I miss you everyday….to my mother, we have had a crazy life, I love you. To my wife, i wouldn’t be standing right here without you and to Parker, daddy’s fine. I love you so much.
Dustin Poirier via UFC 302 octagon interview
Ahead of the fight, Poirier had plans to knock out Islam Makhachev. Furthermore, the fighters got a little heated due to a misunderstanding. However, they cleared it out during the official weigh-ins. It was quite evident, given the mutual respect both showcased after the fight.
During the fight, Poirier did manage to give the champion a nasty cut. Ultimately, the fight ended in the championship round when the defending champion submitted Poirier with a D’arce choke. Poirier’s wife and daughter were on the octagon side, and fans couldn’t help but notice how emotional that moment was for the Poirier family.
Dustin Poirier talks about his daughter and the impact of his wife
Dustin Poirier has been in the fight game long enough to be considered as a legend of the sport. The future UFC Hall of Famer has fought many tough battles inside the cage and always had support from his family. Ahead of his title fight at UFC 302, Poirier even brought his daughter, Parker, to the octagon side.
Dustin Poirier talks about his daughter and his wife’s contribution (via X)While talking about it with reporter Megan Olivi, Poirier revealed that he felt his daughter was big and mature enough to understand and be at the octagon side during his fight.
It’s great, it’s incredible…she was born into fighting. She has pulled stitches out of my face so many times. This is nothing new to her, she is old enough and understands enough, I think she can be cage-side and watch.
Dustin Poirier via ESPN MMA YouTube
Dustin Poirier embraces his daughter and family after falling short of gold in his potential #UFC302 retirement bout.
He also shares a moment with Justin Gaethje. 💎 pic.twitter.com/yJXuxFcYZk
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 2, 2024
Other than his daughter, Poirier loves his wife and has often talked about Jolie’s impact on him. After failing to capture the lightweight belt twice, it was Jolie who motivated Poirier not to give up. While Poirier eagerly wanted to take that belt home, it just wasn’t his night at UFC 302. Nevertheless, the family walked backstage with fans cheering them on and smiles on their faces.
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