UFC fans witnessed a brutal finish in the main event of UFC 291 as Justin Gaethje becomes the new BMF champion. Justin Gaethje knocked out the former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier with a vicious head kick in the 2nd round.
The fight was violent as long as it lasted with both landing some good shots in the first round. However, the most significant moment from the 1st round was in favour of Dustin Poirier, who rocked Gaethje badly.
Dustin Poirier did not go for a finish as he was concerned about Justin Gaethje’s lethal right hand. But, in the hindsight, Poirier has some regrets about his decision in 1st round.
After losing the rematch to Gaethje, Poirier showed up at UFC 291 post fight press conference and stated:
“He was not done yet. I could see he wanted to throw that right hands..Maybe I should have hit the gas. I thought I had 4 more rounds, I didn’t know I had 2 more minutes”
Dustin Poirier’s career has been filled with ups and downs. He has fought for the undisputed title twice and fought Conor McGregor 3 times in massive fights. But, what does he do next after UFC 291?
Dustin Poirier had upsetting message after UFC 291
Dustin Poirier had another undisputed lightweight title shot in his mind going into the rematch at UFC 291. However, after the loss, Poirier seems confused about his future.
When asked about if any non title fights excite him in the division, Poirier stated: “No, not honestly No.”
Poirier even admitted that he turned down to fight Beneil Dariush as it was not exciting enough for him. However, when asked about retirement Poirier stated:
“I still feel great, I got hit with a shot I didn’t see. I still could complete.”
“I don’t know what happens next. I don’t think that far, I still feel good..what am I fighting for? I am not fighting just to fight. I did that my whole life. I want it to be for something”– Poirier continued talking about the loss at UFC 291.
Dustin Poirier is certainly at a tricky spot in the UFC lightweight division. After losing a critical fight, one of the biggest names in the division has no potential big fight waiting for him.
It’s very likely that Dustin Poirier sits out on the bench while Justin Gaethje fights the winner of Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev 2. That apart it won’t be surprising to see Conor McGregor campaigning for a 4th fight against Poirier to avenge his 2 losses.