Dustin Poirier is an example of one of the most electric and entertaining MMA fighters. With a career spanning over 12 years in the UFC, Poirier has provided some of the most memorable moments that we have ever seen. As such, let’s take a look at all of that and his career by the numbers, which most certainly makes for an interesting read.
For those unaware, Dustin Poirier initially made his way into the UFC all the way back in 2011, just weeks before he turned 22. Marking his arrival with a unanimous decision victory against Josh Grispi. Starting his career off at featherweight, Poirier would face some of the biggest names in the sport, like Max Holloway, Chan Sung Jung, Cub Swanson, and Conor McGregor.
Notably, Poirier’s loss to McGregor in their first meeting prompted his move up to lightweight where he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the greatest fighters in the world. Once again facing some of the best fighters that the sport has ever seen, Porier would go on to claim the interim lightweight title after his second win against Max Holloway at UFC 236. Since then Poirier has challenged for the undisputed title on two separate occasions as well.
Dustin Poirier is set to potentially retire after his against Islam Makhachev
After facing a setback in his second title challenge against Charles Oliveira at UFC 269, Dustin Poirier seemingly resigned to fighting in big-name bouts and similar fights that interested him. That said after a brutal head-kick KO loss to Justin Gaethje during their title fight, Poirier soon shifted his tune and even hinted at a potential retirement. That said, lady luck shined on him as his next win against Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 earned him his third title shot.
Although hotly contested, the current state of the lightweight division left no other contender than Dustin Poirier who jumped for the opportunity to fight Islam Makhachev for the title. Now set to headline the show at UFC 302, it marks the third and final opportunity for Poirier to fulfill his longstanding goal of becoming an undisputed UFC champion. Improbably as it may be, many are rooting for Poirier to get it done in what will likely be his career swansong.
We’re back!! This Saturday it’s #UFC302!!
🏆 Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier
🔥 Sean Strickland vs Paulo Costa pic.twitter.com/hMl1rTXqxE— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 27, 2024
Facing the protege of the man who previously denied him his dream, Dustin Poirier faces overwhelming odds in his next fight. Seeing that Makhachev will once again have Khabib Nurmagomedov by his side, it will truly be an uphill battle for Porier. However, he has been putting in the work and plugging any and all holes in his game. Barring any curses and coincidences, there is still very little to suggest that Poirier can pull off an upset.
Some of the most interesting facts about Dustin Poirier’s career
If Dustin Poirier manages to beat Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, it will quite possibly be one of the biggest upsets in a title fight that we have ever seen. Regardless of whether the Louisiana native is able to achieve such a feat, he will no doubt leave the sport as one of the most accomplished fighters in the game. Naturally, for all that Poirier has done by the age of 35, he is no doubt a shoo-in as a future UFC Hall of Famer.
To fully understand the extent and the brilliance of Poirier, one must take into account the numbers he has put up across the years. Notably, throughout his career, Dustin has racked up 16 wins by way of knockout, and 7 wins by submission, with 13 of these finishes coming in the very first round. Not only that but ‘El Diamante’ is the only man to finish Max Holloway and the only man to finish Conor McGregor, twice.
Main event stats 🔥 #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/B5PaQX99U9
— DiaztwinsMMA (@DiaztwinsMMA) May 28, 2024
In addition to this, Dustin Poirier has been awarded nine (9) Fight of the Night bonuses, the second-most in UFC history. Similarly, he also has four (4) Performance of the Night bonuses in his name. Additionally, he is tied with Drew Dober for most knockouts in UFC Lightweight division history (9) and is tied for fourth for most knockouts in modern UFC history (11), and fourth for most finishes in UFC history (15). Thus, win or lose, Poirier will retire as a modern-day legend of the sport.