Dustin Poirier is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career. The former interim champion is set to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in the upcoming days. Reflecting on his journey, Poirier recently shared how fighting transformed his life in ways he never imagined. Here’s what he had to say.
In a recent interview with Andreas Hale on the ESPN MMA YouTube channel, ‘The Diamond’ discussed the pivotal role that fighting has played in his life. He candidly expressed, “It’s all because of fighting. Fighting has opened these doors for me and to be honest I could be dead or in jail if I had not found fighting.” This statement highlights just how significantly the sport has impacted Poirier’s life and trajectory.
Poirier’s journey began at Gladiators Academy, where he trained under retired MMA fighter Tim Credeur. He started his professional career in 2009, and within just over a year, he had an impressive record of seven consecutive wins, all of which were finishes within two rounds. After facing a setback against Chan Sung Jung, Poirier transitioned to the American Top Team, where he has since been coached by Phil Daru and Jose Rojas.
He made his debut in the WEC in 2010, shortly before its merger with the UFC. With over 39 professional fights under his belt, Poirier has faced some of the most formidable opponents in the sport. His resume includes battles with top contenders such as Jim Miller, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and Charles Oliveira. Now, he is preparing for what might be his third and potentially final title fight at UFC 302.
Dustin Poirier Reflects on Impact of MMA on His Life
Poirier’s passion for fighting was kindled at a young age, influenced by his environment in Louisiana. Known for being one of the best strikers in the lightweight division, this can be attributed to his early exposure to boxing. He once shared a personal story that shed light on his turbulent early years:
“I went to juvenile detention around my freshman year, and things just got complicated,” he recounted in a 2021 interview with the UFC. This troubled period in his life underscores the significant role that fighting has played in steering him away from a potentially darker path.
In a few days, Poirier will step into the Octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, to face Islam Makhachev. This fight is particularly intriguing as Makhachev is a protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of Poirier’s former rivals. Despite the magnitude of this bout, Poirier has hinted that this might not be his last dance. He has previously expressed an interest in transitioning to boxing, returning to his roots before hanging up his gloves for good.
What do you think of Dustin Poirier’s reflections and his upcoming fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
