This weekend at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey, we might see Dustin Poirier fight for the final time in an octagon when he faces Islam Makhachev for the lightweight strap. Preparing for his 40th fight in the sport, “The Diamond” is no stranger to a good dust-up against the best names in the division, and this will certainly be no different.
Dustin Poirier: His Journey To The Top
Born out of Louisiana, the UFC veteran began as a boxer, following his service in juvenile detention. After hanging around with the “wrong crowd” up to eighth grade, Poirier took a different path when he had the foresight to become a professional fighter. Even today, we can see his boxing roots have resonated strongly, as the former interim lightweight champion is still heavily touted as one of the best strikers in the entire organisation.
Opting to go professional in 2009, “The Diamond” boldly made his UFC debut just two years later when he stepped in for at-the-time injured featherweight champion, Jose Aldo, to take on Josh Grispi – which the 21-year-old Poirier would go on to win by unanimous decision. Amassing a win percentage of 85% in his first 22 fights with the UFC, prior to his first lightweight title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov, “The Lafayette Lionheart” has rightly earned the respect of MMA fans. Holding impressive wins over Max Holloway (twice), Conor McGregor (twice), Anthony Pettis, and many more has only boosted the following and admiration of the Louisianna native.
Although he rarely enters fights as an underdog, this was the case in his last brawl against Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299. Acquiring his 16th career knockout in the second round, after sleeping the Frenchman with a crushing right hand, warranted Poirier’s third-ever title shot, this time against Makhachev. Falling at the final hurdle twice before against Charles Oliveira and his opponent’s coach, Nurmagomedov, will only light the fire in the number four-ranked lightweight to achieve his ultimate goal in his last dance.
Poirier To Leave A Legacy
Following an interview with CBS, “The Diamond” revealed that this could be his last attempt at securing UFC gold as he is ready to devote his time to his wife and kids.
The 35-year-old said: “It’s just that I don’t have it in me, and I’m not going to [try and become champion] again. I’m not going to climb the ladder again. I’ve been doing this a long time. It’s a very selfish sport. I’m ready to be a father and be a husband and be home and be into a routine. I wouldn’t say I can’t do it again. I can do it again. It’s just … this is it for me.”
With a career in the UFC spanning over 13 years, Poirier will go down as a legend and his commitment to the company is likely to be unmatched. Although many might stipulate that his greatest achievement was becoming the interim lightweight champion after beating Holloway by unanimous decision in 2019, it should instead be the consistency and excitement that has brought to every fight.
By earning nine Fight of the Night and four Performance of the Night bonuses, as well as facing the toughest names during his time at both lightweight and featherweight, everyone will remember Poirier to be a staple in the UFC. Almost certainly, he is deserving of an induction into the Hall Of Fame when he decides to hang up the gloves. To get the job done on Saturday? It would just be the cherry on top.
How “The Diamond” Will Match Up With Makhachev
According to the bookmakers, the Dagestani lightweight enters the fray as a dominant favourite. In fact, this bout contains the biggest odds discrepancy in all of the title fights of 2024 so far, with Poirier being a +455 underdog and Makhachev as a -625 favourite. Albeit this may seem like the challenger’s pedigree is being undermined, Poirier has said that he “feels comfortable in this position” as he has a chance to “prove people wrong”. In the same interview, he also said that he “just wants a fight”, and the title holder “wants to grapple”, suggesting Poirier will try to ensure the fight stays on the feet.
Three of Poirier’s eight career losses have come via submission leading many to also recommend Dustin boxes his way to victory. However, not only is Makhachev’s wrestling style so dominant and aggressive, but the progression of his stand-up ability is frightening. Knocking down an in-form Oliveira, which led to a submission to secure lightweight gold, as well as knocking out former featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, in his last fight is nothing short of intimidating, even for a supreme striker like Poirier.
For Dustin, it is key that he stays switched on for his takedown defence to be flawless. That way, he can utilise the vast amount of boxing experience that he has over the champion to shock the world.
If Dustin Poirier can cause an upset for the ages, fans of mixed martial arts should be delighted for him to ride off into the sunset with that belt slung over his shoulder and to fulfil his duty as a parent. Being a committed fighter throughout his entire career, an achievement like this couldn’t happen to many who are more deserving.
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
