Despite missing his last opportunity to become the undisputed champion, Dustin Poirier did not give up on his illustrious mixed martial arts career. Going into his fight against Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 302 in Newark, the former interim lightweight champion has never been able to lay claim to the entire 155-pound belt. And he was supposed to retire in the octagon if he tasted loss at the third time of asking.
Legendary UFC fighter Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier hinted that he would retire following a valiant, unsuccessful effort against Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight title and pound-for-pound king.
Dustin Poirier Stated He Would Retire If He Lost UFC 302
After losing to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, Dustin Poirier gave a hint that it would be a good choice to put away his UFC gloves for good. During an interview with NBC News, Dustin Poirier said,” My body feels good, but I’ve been getting punched and kicked and kneed in the face for almost 18 years. I want to take care of my brain health.”
But now, after his third loss for the attempted title, Poirier has disregarded his prior retirement claims. Dustin Poirier told the UFC commentator Joe Rogan, “I know I can compete with the best of these guys!”.
How Did Dustin Poirier Lose In UFC 302
The 35-year-old Poirier has already lost three attempts at UFC gold, but he may have a path back to title contention as a seasoned fighter who has experienced everything the sport offers.
With nearly forty professional mixed martial arts fights under his resume, the seasoned fighter and former UFC interim lightweight champion gave Islam one of his most brutal fights. Makhachev suffered a nasty cut on his forehead late in the fight, highlighting how competitive the bout was.
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Before getting submitted in the fifth round and even passing out, Poirier had to spend most of the fight defending takedowns from the Dagestani grappler and exchanging left hands.
The American never gave up on trying to finish as the underdog, but midway through the fifth round, he was forced into a D’arce choke, where he seemed to go out before tapping. Makhachev tied the record for lightweight championship defenses with the win, securing his place in history.
Also Read: How Much Money Did Islam Makhachev Earn By Submitting Dustin Poirier at UFC 302?
