Even though Dustin Poirier earned the hearts of many UFC supporters at UFC 302, it wasnāt enough to win the title. Poirier performed valiantly against Islam Makhachev. However, the lightweight champion showed his superiority to everyone else by exposing Poirier after each mistake he made.
Like every other Dustin Poirier fight, the āDiamondā frequently pulled his shorts throughout the fight. As expected, Islam Makhachev timed it and successfully took down Poirier several times. Former UFC champion Quinton āRampageā Jackson shared his views on the signature shorts pull on his podcast.
If I’m fighting a guy and he’s constantly pulling his shorts, I would time that. Stuff like that bothers me, I’m a weird fighter.Ā
Quinton Jackson via JAXXON PodcastĀ
Going up against an opponent like Islam Makhachev, Poirier did his homework. He upgraded his ground game with the help of Mateusz Gamrot, and it was prevalent. Poirier stopped several takedowns, which took away early submission threats. In the fifth round, Makhachev had to execute a masterclass to finish the fight.Ā
Not only that, but Makhachev also outstruck Dustin Poirier on the feet, proving why he is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC. As for Dustin Poirier, the short pulls cost him, and according to the fighter, he was helpless.Ā
Dustin Poirier reveals he couldnāt control his short-pulling tic against Islam MakhachevĀ
The loss against Islam Makhachev was Dustin Poirierās third time losing a title bout via submission. After the loss, the Louisiana native announced his semi-retirement, which he had talked about throughout the fight week.Ā Only something grand can change his decision.
Dustin Poirier talks about his short-pulling habit against Islam Makhachev (via X)The fighter leaned towards retirement during his interview with Ariel Helwani on his The MMA Hour Show. In the same interview, Poirier talked about his bad habit of pulling his shorts and whether Makhachev capitalized on a small window of opportunity.
I don’t know man but I can’t stop. I’m not planning on itā¦.It could be (Makhachev timing the short pulls) but I doubt it. You never know.Ā Ā
Dustin Poirier via The MMA Hour
Dustin Poirier on him constantly grabbing his shorts and if Islam Makhachev timed the shorts grabs to get takedowns špic.twitter.com/fRyNQphD3u
ā Full Violence ā¢ (@Full_Violence) June 10, 2024
Dustin Poirier has long been recognized as a remarkable fighter despite never capturing a championship belt. Poirier might be the best MMA fighter to have never won the UFC championship belt. The undisputed title would have been a cherry on top. As such, it is difficult to swallow, considering he already has a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
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