Dustin Poirier, widely recognized for his resilience and willingness to face top fighters, shared insights into the hardest hits he has endured throughout his MMA career. Known as “The Diamond,” Poirier has battled prominent lightweight contenders such as Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, Islam Makhachev, and Eddie Alvarez, facing many punishing moments inside the Octagon.
In a recent rapid-fire interview on American Top Team’s YouTube channel, Poirier was asked about the toughest blows he’s ever absorbed. Despite often being the aggressor, Poirier admitted he has been knocked out a few times, recalling some particularly brutal moments.
He said,
“Dude, which one? I’ve been stopped by strikes [a] couple times. Head kick from [Justin] Gaethje was a nasty one. [The] first fight with Conor [where he caught me] was a good spot, and he could punch.”
—Dustin Poirier
One of those fierce moments came during UFC 291 when Poirier suffered a second-round knockout from a head kick delivered by Justin Gaethje after a competitive first round. Another devastating loss was during UFC 178, when Conor McGregor, his longtime rival, ended their featherweight fight with a powerful left hook followed by ground and pound, resulting in a TKO in the opening round.
Anticipating a Meaningful Farewell at UFC 318
As Poirier approaches the final match of his career, UFC 318 against Max Holloway in New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center, he expressed a desire to fully embrace the experience. The Louisiana native plans to savor every moment of his last bout, whether it ends quickly or evolves into a grueling battle.
When asked by Megan Olivi whether he preferred a swift victory or a lengthy war with Holloway, Poirier responded thoughtfully, acknowledging the significance of the occasion.
“I’m going to try my best to be in the moment on fight week, just because it is the last time I’m ever going to feel these morning jitters of fight day and walking into the arena. I’ll never feel this again. So, I want to put on a show. I want to go out with a bang, and I want it to be Fight of the Night, Fight of the Year. Yeah, I’m expecting stitches.”
—Dustin Poirier
This filmed interview highlights the emotional weight Poirier carries as he prepares for his final UFC appearance, underscoring his commitment to giving fans a memorable performance despite the physical toll.
The Legacy and Future After a Grueling MMA Journey
Dustin Poirier’s career has been defined by fierce competition against some of the sport’s toughest fighters, proving his toughness through victories and setbacks alike. Facing the hardest MMA hits has shaped his reputation as a warrior in the lightweight division. His final fight at UFC 318 represents not only the closing of a chapter but also a celebration of his enduring spirit.
As Poirier steps into the cage for his last time, fans and fellow fighters alike await a memorable bout that could go down as one of the sport’s most compelling finales, highlighting the physical and emotional toll the UFC demands from its elite athletes.