Dustin Poirier, known for his intense battles inside the Octagon, faced Eddie Alvarez in a match that became notorious for its controversy. The fight took place at UFC 211 in the American Airlines Center, where both fighters came prepared to deliver an unforgettable lightweight showdown. Alvarez was coming off a title defeat to Conor McGregor, while Poirier had just bounced back from a loss to Michael Johnson with a tight win over Jim Miller. Their contrasting styles promised a fierce contest, and the crowd quickly realized they were witnessing a classic fight.
From the start, Poirier used his southpaw stance to land powerful body kicks, while Alvarez aimed for significant counterpunches. Early into the second round, Alvarez tried to implement his wrestling, but Poirier resisted and continued to dominate striking exchanges. Midway through the round, Poirier seemed close to finishing the fight after staggering Alvarez with hard shots. However, Alvarez landed a sharp counter that hurt Poirier in return. The round ended controversially when Alvarez struck Poirier with two knees to the head while Poirier was considered grounded against the cage. Referee Herb Dean consulted officials, leading to a no contest decision, though commentator Joe Rogan believed disqualification was the right call.
Poirier’s Public Defense of Alvarez Amid Crowd Disapproval
After the contentious finish, Joe Rogan stepped into the Octagon to interview both fighters, a rare occurrence following a no contest. During this post-fight moment, Alvarez addressed the crowd, saying,
“Look guys, I’m not a dirty fighter, we’re fist fighting in here, I’m doing the best I can, I apologise to Dustin and I apologize to the crowd,”
which was met with boos from the audience. Poirier quickly intervened by taking the microphone from Rogan, urging the fans not to disrespect Alvarez, stating,
“Hey! Don’t boo this man, this guy is a champion and has fought all over the world, I have nothing but respect for this guy, don’t boo this man! This guy is a warrior, we both put it on the line every time we step in here,”
This moment highlighted Poirier’s respect for Alvarez despite their fierce rivalry and the controversial circumstances. The sportsmanship Poirier showed was a reminder of the high regard fighters have for one another regardless of outcomes.
Looking Ahead to Poirier’s Upcoming Fight and Legacy
Fast forward to July 19, 2024, Dustin Poirier is preparing for what could be his final walk in the Octagon as he faces Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 318. Dana White has praised Poirier as one of the all-time greats and even crafted this event around him, recognizing the impact Poirier has had on the sport. Poirier’s memorable fights, including his bouts with Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and others, have cemented his legacy as a warrior in mixed martial arts.
Fans can recall how in their rematch, over a year after UFC 211, Poirier ultimately triumphed against Alvarez in another thrilling contest. As Poirier approaches this significant milestone against Holloway, the respect and dignity he displayed in defending Alvarez remain part of his enduring reputation. His upcoming fight will likely add another chapter to his remarkable career and offer fans one last chance to witness his skill and heart inside the cage.