All eyes are on the path of the gold and Dustin Poirier this weekend. UFC 302 marks Poirier’s third title shot in the UFC. The decorated lightweight fighter has won everything except the undisputed gold. Hence, his UFC 302 showdown with Islam Makhachev might be the last opportunity. Correspondingly – his storied run is reminiscent of yet another – Cody Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE champion.
Independent circuit, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling; Rhodes did it all. Yet the standout wrestler never caught up to the world championship gold until WrestleMania XL. Despite barrages from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, he snagged the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship strap. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani feels a parallel between them both.
There was a big story, going into WrestleMania this year…Cody Rhodes. ‘Will he finish his story?’ So, I say to Dustin…’will you finish your story, Dustin?’ [becoming champion] It’s right there for the taking…
Ariel Helwani via Demetrious Johnson’s MIGHTY Podcast (@Mighty15x)
The 30-8 MMA and 22-7 UFC veteran lightweight has been in pro MMA circles since 17. His first title loss came at the hands of Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ finished Poirier by Round 3 (2:06) submission at UFC 242. The next time, he botched it with Charles Oliveira at UFC 269. Although a former interim 155-pound titleholder, he has always been “oh, so close” distances apart from undisputed gold.
Therefore, UFC 302 against Islam Makhachev could very well be his final run. Speaking at The Fight Bananas Show, he told co-host Elle Dawson that he wants to end his legacy one way or the other. So even if he finishes his story like Cody Rhodes, he might still end up vacating the title. However, should he win it, he’ll be etched in history.
Dustin Poirier: Pre-fight fundamentals, fighter facts, and fascination
The Louisiana native goes to war soon, in what could be his final critical pulse at the title. Facing Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, his journey and putting his stakes on the gold is seeing prime comparisons to wrestling notoriety Cody Rhodes. Will he compete his story as a champion or not remains circumstantial, at best. However, his run so far has had its own merits.
Dustin Poirier steps into UFC 302 soon (Source: GQ (@thetowngq) )The 155-pound stalwart has had running highlights since his featherweight days even. At Jersey City – when ‘Diamond’ makes his walkout at the Pay-per-view top spot, win or lose, he’d have faced almost all lightweight champions on the roster.
UFC 302 will be his 7th PPV headliner, a promotion record for non-title fighters. He remains the only lightweight in UFC history to land 150 or more significant strikes on three occasions.
UFC 302 will be Dustin Poirier’s 7th PPV main event. This will set a promotion record for fighters that have never won The undisputed title. pic.twitter.com/BmDhJC6a9j
— Andy Hickey MMA (@AndyHickeyMMA) May 29, 2024
The 35-year-old is currently +490 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook; he earned his title shot with a violent KO at UFC 299, Miami. He had asked for special custom shorts for the occasion even then. UFC 300 “Adrenaline Unrivaled” gear lineup later saw several UFC Official Venum kits added to the website.
Now, Poirier has his own “Adrenaline Unrivaled” legacy shorts. EA SPORTS™ UFC® 5 has already implemented a “Dustin Poirier” playable skin as part of Fight Week Content. Consequently, Poirier is also one of seven fighters in UFC history with 14 or more fight bonuses.
