Dustin Poirier reflects on two-year anniversary of Khabib loss as he prepares for next UFC title shot
Dustin Poirier has personified perseverance over the course of his MMA career. Tuesday in particular was an important day of reflection for how far he’s come.
Two years ago, Poirier (28-6 MMA, 20-5 UFC) dealt with one of the worst heartbreaks of his fighting career. He suffered a third-round submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, and as a result came up short of his dream of becoming undisputed lightweight champion.
Poirier came into the fight as the interim champ, and he managed to put the undefeated Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) through some dicey moments with various submission attempts. “The Eagle” ultimately turned the tables and made Poirier tap with a rear-naked choke, and naturally he was devastated.
After putting his heart on his sleeve at an emotional post-fight press conference, Poirier hinted he might retire from MMA competition. He didn’t, though, and the two years since have been among the most prosperous of his career (via Twitter):
2 years ago today I walked off stage after the press conference. I was heartbroken and unsure of my future. Today I’m preparing for the chance to wrap gold around my waist at the end of the year. Keep grinding and chase your dreams! Let them doubt pic.twitter.com/I4AA3HJ974
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 7, 2021
2 years ago today I walked off stage after the press conference. I was heartbroken and unsure of my future. Today I’m preparing for the chance to wrap gold around my waist at the end of the year. Keep grinding and chase your dreams! Let them doubt
Since losing to Nurmagomedov at UFC 242, Poirier has rattled off three consecutive victories. He beat Dan Hooker in a 2020 “Fight of the Year” candidate, and in 2021 has defeated Conor McGregor in back-to-back fights.
That streak has put Poirier in position to challenge for lightweight gold again. The circumstances are different this time, though, with Nurmagomedov now retired and Charles Oliveira (31-8 MMA, 19-8 UFC) holding the strap at 155 pounds.
Oliveira and Poirier reportedly are targeted to clash for the belt at UFC 269 on Dec. 11. If the matchup is finalized, it would set a record for most combined UFC experience in a championship fight with 54 octagon appearances between the pair.
