Dustin Poirier ends up at a significant junction as he mulls over the direction of his profession following one more anguishing route as he continues looking for the sought-after undisputed title at UFC 302.
Yet again regardless of showing wonderful boldness and assurance, the carefully prepared 35-year-old warrior from Louisiana confronted disillusionment in his third offer for title magnificence, missing the mark in an exhausting fight against Islam Makhachev.
Dustin Poirier’s Latest Setback in His Pursuit of the UFC
Lamentably, Poirier wound up falling short of his definitive objective in his latest undertaking to secure the sought-after title of undisputed UFC champion. This misfortune provoked a profound reflection, as he wrestled with the approaching inquiry of whether the time had shown up to consider pulling back from the octagon for good.
“I was fighting to be the world champion,” Poirier said at the UFC 302 post-fight press conference. “Like, what else am I fighting for? Just to fight for the thrill? Because I am addicted to it, no doubt. For the money? Me and my family are good, I don’t need the money.
Money’s great but my health is first. What am I fighting for? To be the champion again. Will I ever get that shot even if I go on a streak? I don’t know. But it’s such a tough mountain to climb that I’ve climbed so many times.
“I’m 35 and I see people and hear people say, ‘That’s not old.’ But I have 50 fights. I’ve been fighting since I was 17 years old. I fought my first cage fight when I was 18. I have 10 fights that aren’t on my record. I’ve been in a bunch of battles. At some time, this is going to catch up to me.
I just fought the pound-for-pound No. 1 guy, and every time I got off the stool, I felt like I was going to win this fight. I remember thinking getting off the stool, ‘I’m going to be the world champion tonight.’ I felt it. So I’ve just got to see.”
Dustin Poirier Reflects on Makhachev’s Elusive Movement
“Honestly, similar to Khabib, his movement is really strange,” Dustin Poirier said of Makhachev. “The timing of it is really strange, to get his cadence. I wanted to open up more and throw more volume, but when he would commit to the pocket, he would exit weirdly. His dips with his head, I heard my corner telling me to throw the knee the whole time, but I just felt like I might get taken down off of it.
“His movement is kind of awkward, it’s weird timing, so I couldn’t get combinations going. Everything else was what I expected.”
“I know the answer — they want me to stop,” Dustin Poirier said of his family. “But I know I can still compete with these guys. I’ve just got to figure out what I’m fighting for.
Dustin Poirier Reflects on His Recent Accomplishments
“I beat a young guy last time out. I just competed with the No. 1 pound-for-pound guy and I felt good doing it until the end. I’ve just got to see. I can still compete, but I don’t want the sport to retire me and squeeze me out. I don’t want to be one of those guys hanging on. I just honor and respect this too much. We’ll see. I don’t know, but this could be my last fight.”
Seemingly the most troublesome acknowledgment for Dustin Poirier to process is the acknowledgment that had he arisen successful on Saturday, retirement would have likely been an impending choice.
In any case, with the harsh taste of rout waiting, he ends up longing for additional difficulties, yet wrestling with the vulnerability of the amount more he can genuinely contribute.
Also Read: Makhachev vs. Poirier: Exciting UFC 302 Outcome
I am Adan, a sports enthusiast. My love for the sport has turned me into a prolific content creator who has spent two years crafting engaging narratives and insightful analyses in the cricketing realm. I also have a background in journalism; my passion for the sport ignited a journey of exploration and growth.
