Dustin Poirier showed the heart of a champion in his fifth-round submission loss to Islam Makhahcve at UFC 302. Unlike when he fought Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, Poirer, showcased impressive anti-wrestling and anti-grappling skills. Poirier’s performance surprised the MMA community.
Many felt Makhachev would secure an easy submission victory. However, Poirer flipped the script, making the pound-for-pound king work hard for the win. In the end, the five-round war bagged the Fight of the Night bonus of the night. Both fighters showered respect on each other after the fight, similar to when Poirier fought Nurmagomedov at UFC 242.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s heartfelt message to Dustin Poirier and family
Aside from the time when he fought Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov has been respective of his opponents. Respect is an integral part of Dagestan’s culture. Therefore, Nurmagomedov showered respect on Poirier and had a message for his family in the aftermath of UFC 302.
“Dustin is a great fighter. I have very big respect for him. I meet his father yesterday… end of the day this is life…I just want to wish him all the best. Him and all his family, his daughter, his parents, everybody,” said Nurmagomedov in the final episode of the UFC 302 FIGHT DAY video on his YouTube channel.
When he defeated Poirer, Nurmagomedov donated $100K to his opponent’s charity, with Dana White matching Nurmagomedov’s donation. With the money, Poirier’s Good Fight Foundation bought 40 acres of land and built several water wells for an African tribe. Nurmagomedov’s donation was from auctioning the attire he wore at UFC 242.
Nurmagomedov fought only once after he fought Poirer, as he retired after he defeated Justin Gaethje. It looks like Poirier is also on the retirement path. However, he has not officially announced it. A fourth fight with McGregor or a trilogy fight with Justin Gaethje or Max Holloway might change his plans.
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Also Read: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Impact for Dustin Poirier’s Fight Laid Down by Javier Mendes
