UFC Lightweight legend Dustin Poirier has revealed that he struggled with his mental health after his knockout loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 291. Poirier has recently put himself back into title contention after a strong knockout win over Benoit Saint Denis.
The ‘Diamond’ is back. After a stellar performance at UFC 299, Dustin Poirier has shown that he is still very much worthy of being in the top lightweights. At UFC 299, Dustin Poirier squared up to the rising lightweight star Benoit Saint Denis. Many fight fans before the fight feared that Dustin Poirier was going to fall short against Saint Denis with many fearing that Poirier would actually retire if he lost to the Frenchman. However, that luckily wasn’t the case. Dustin Poirier was looking for the finish all night with his dangerous Jiu Jitsu with constant Guillotine attempts. However Saint Denis defended every attempt but in round two, Dustin ‘Diamond’ Poirier used his diamond hands to crack the jaw of Saint Denis with a phenomenal right hook.
It was an incredible fight, but it is lucky for the fighting world that Dustin pulled off the win as it appears another lost might of been too much for the veteran.
Dustin Poirier Opens Up on His Loss to Justin Gaethje, UFC 299 Win
In a recent interview, Dustin Poirier opened up on his mental hardships with his recent knockout loss to Justin Gaethje. The loss had affected the ‘Diamond’ way more than any of us had realised.
‘I went through some real mental struggles, man. I was going through some stuff. That’s when I really started practicing mindfulness and setting my intentions and just trying to be grateful for every day.’ Dustin was then asked about how severe his mental struggles became where he replied, ‘Really bad. Really bad. Yeah worse than that (thinking he would never fight again) couple times.’
He then explained that he became worried for his well being. ‘I actually started going to therapy after the fight (the Gaethje loss). I think it’s important to open up and talk about how you feel. We’re in the spotlight, being tough guys all the time. But we’re people too. That’s the mindset- Dustin the fighter, but what about Dustin? What about me? Life is deep man. Fighting is just something I do. It’s good to check up on yourself.’
Quotes via BJ Penn
I think it is incredibly important for more fighters in MMA as a whole to open up on their mental health struggles. MMA as a sport is one that can put you in some incredibly dark places and it is not healthy just to think you can tough it out. For someone like Dustin Poirier to be this open about his struggles is incredibly healthy for the world of MMA as one of the most feared but beloved fighters in the whole organisation, it shows that truly that we are all human. It shows that sometimes we all need help.
Well for now, Dustin is back on title contention. The division is looking for Islam Makhachev’s newest challenge. Maybe that can be a rejuvenated Dustin Poirier.
Should Dustin Poirier get the next title shot? Let us know in the comments below!
