Dustin Poirier is all set for his one last hurrah as he takes on Islam Makhachev in a few days. Despite their fight materializing due to the UFC scheduling woes, it has certainly garnered the hype and praise that a title fight deserves. That said, there have been many questions regarding Poirier and his mental state in the lead-up to the fight.
For those unaware, Dustin Poirier faces Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 302. Live out of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, ‘The Diamond’ is looking to end his career on a high after dethroning the UFC lightweight king. Although many had their qualms and complaints about Poirier getting the title shot, subsequent weeks have seen an outpour of overwhelming support in his favor.
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
At the same time, there have been growing concerns regarding his mental wherewithal before the all-important showdown. After all, ‘The Diamond’ has time and again mentioned how to win or lose, his next fight will be his last. Thus, it puts into question how firm his resolve is and how ready he will be to face adversity during the fight. Most notably, UFC legend and a friend of Poirier, Daniel Cormier has also voiced his concern for the same.
Dustin Poirier speaks about his mental state ahead of Islam Makhachev’s title fight
All things considered, it is not difficult to see where Dustin Poirier is coming from. Having been in the fight game for about 15 years now, he has a lot of mileage under his belt. Thus, continuing to fight at the highest level, considering all the dangers that come with it, is not a wise choice for any fighter. Along with that, his recent career losses did not leave him too inspired either.
Before his win against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299, Poirier was on the receiving end of a vicious head-kick KO at the hands of Justin Gaethje. Naturally, the loss left him in a bad place mentally with a lot of soul-searching to do. In the UFC 302 Countdown, Poirier finally opened up on what he was going through:
“After the last (Justin) Gaethje fight, I was in a dark place mentally. ‘Cause I was kind of at a crossroads, 35 years old, I got knocked out, how will I come back, are people gonna write me off, where am I at in my career?”
“It was some of the toughest months I’ve ever had in my life. I just took a deep look at myself and when I fell short of greatness when I set this big goal and I don’t accomplish it, I just set another big goal and get right back to work.”
Thus, he jumped at the opportunity to fight down the rankings against a dangerous, live dog in Saint-Denis and despite some early adversity, came back to deliver a thundering KO on the Frenchman. Seeing that it has elevated him to a title challenger status for the third time in his career, Dustin Poirier is locked and loaded to make the best of it, before potentially riding off into the sunset.
Mike Brown reveals the game plan for Dustin Poirier and his improvements
Previously we saw all the work that Dustin Poirier has been putting in for the preparation of this fight. Understanding that Khabib and co. will take a lot from their fight in 2019 and set up Islam Makhachev with a similar game plan, Poirier and head coach Mike Brown have a special something cooked up as well.
For the initial part of his camp, Dustin trained alongside fellow lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot, who is known for his wrestling skills. As such, refining his own prowess in that field along with anti-stratting what the enemy camp may prepare, could give Poirier the edge in this one. As such, Mike Brown has also hinted at learning from past mistakes and improving on them during this camp:
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“Khabib showed us where we had some holes and we’ve worked on it and those holes are patched. We’re working on anti-wrestling and getting back to our feet, that’s no secret. Dustin will put him away.”
“This will just be the cherry on top of an unbelievable career, one of the best careers I think the sport has ever seen. Nobody’s more deserving, nobody’s paid the dues more than Dustin Poirier. It’s his time.”
More than anything, Dustin Poirier seems to be in great health both physically and mentally ahead of this one. Despite the tall tasks ahead of him, the Louisiana native remains focused and confident that he can knock out Islam Makhachev. Whilst the likes of Michael Bisping and former foe Conor McGregor have egged him on to do the same, only time will tell whether Dustin is able to fulfill his legacy or not.