Dustin Poirier is scheduled to retire following his last fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318 on Saturday night. Throughout his career, Poirier earned significant recognition, including 10 Fight of the Night bonuses and victories over four former UFC champions, cementing his status in mixed martial arts. Despite holding the interim lightweight championship, Poirier never secured the undisputed lightweight title, falling short in title fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.
Matt Brown’s Perspective on Poirier’s Place Among UFC Greats
Veteran UFC fighter Matt Brown shared his views on Poirier’s legacy, emphasizing the impact of not winning an undisputed championship on Poirier’s ultimate ranking in UFC history. Brown noted that while Poirier’s accomplishments are impressive, the absence of a definitive belt limits his consideration among the greatest fighters of all time.
“Unfortunately he didn’t win an [undisputed] title,”
Brown said on The Fighter vs. The Writer.
“When you don’t win a title, you just can’t be in a greatest of all-time conversation … he’s in the top of those conversations. Because he maximized what he had. Had he had just a little bit more athleticism, a little bit more good luck on his side, it’s a little bit of something, he would have been champion 100 percent. But it just doesn’t play out that way for everyone. There’s too many fighters and some guys get passed up.”
Poirier’s Achievements and Challenges With Championship Titles
Poirier’s career is marked by a series of notable accomplishments, including tying Drew Dober for the most knockouts in UFC lightweight history and competing at a high level for nearly a decade. However, failing to claim the undisputed lightweight title has kept him from reaching the GOAT discussion, particularly in a division defined by fighters like Nurmagomedov, Makhachev, and B.J. Penn, who are often held as the highest standard.
Brown, who experienced similar challenges in never earning a UFC championship despite record-setting knockouts in the welterweight division, sympathizes with Poirier’s experience.
“I’d love to see him up there but we all have our journeys,”
Brown said.
“There’s thousands and thousands of fighters out there — they can’t all be No. 1. A lot of them are really good people but they can’t all be No., 1. That’s definitely the hold back for Dustin unfortunately.”
Evaluating Poirier’s Legacy Beyond Titles
Brown emphasized that his appraisal of Poirier is not meant to diminish the fighter’s legacy but to state an objective perspective on his place within UFC history. According to Brown, Poirier’s reputation as a warrior and his resilience are where he truly excels, ranking among the top fighters in terms of heart and determination.
“It’s not tearing him down, it’s just the objective truth. I mean I know the way I’m going to remember him is not necessarily as one of the greatest, definitely great. Not one of the greatest. In terms of warriors and warrior mentality, I think he is absolutely one of the greatest of all-time in that. He’s probably got to be in the top five when you talk about guys willing to fight through anything and keep coming back. I think that’s a lot of what I’m known for, and I put him above me in that regard. I think he’s one of the top five maybe in history of just warriors.”
Heart, Determination, and Durability: Poirier’s Defining Qualities
The qualities that elevated Poirier among his contemporaries were his unyielding toughness and relentless spirit, which helped maintain his status among elite lightweights. His strong performances in both the UFC and WEC featherweight divisions further add to his storied career. Brown believes these characteristics make Poirier stand out significantly when compared to others of his generation.
Brown described Poirier as a fighter who rarely dominated opponents easily, instead prevailing through grueling, competitive battles.
“He’s a warrior,”
Brown said.
“I don’t remember him really having many fights he just dominated. It was always a knockdown, drag out war and he just fought through it better than the other guy. I don’t put him up as a top five skilled guy or athleticism, we’re all born with what we’re born with unfortunately, but in terms of hard working, hard-nosed, gritty, bite down on your mouthpiece, walk forward, fight to the death guys, I mean Dustin Poirier is top three.”
Among the Best Fighters Without an Undisputed Title
Brown also positioned Poirier at the top of the list of exceptional fighters who never clinched an undisputed UFC championship, a distinction shared by several revered fighters. Brown places Poirier above himself in this unofficial ranking.
“I think he’s definitely on the top of that list for sure,”
Brown stated.
I put myself on that list somewhere, I like to toot my own horn but Dustin’s above me on that. I would agree on that. We’d have to think about that. Write down some names and compare resumes but he absolutely has to be at the top of the list.”
“I’d also put him at the top of the list of just greatest warriors in the UFC. The whole ‘BMF’ belt, which is the stupidest thing ever, but if there’s one deserving guy of that, it’s Dustin Poirier. Just toughest guys, grittiest, hardest-working guys — Dustin Poirier’s in the top three of a lot of these conversations.”
Looking Forward: Poirier’s Post-Fighting Future and Recognition
More than anything, Brown hopes Poirier transitions from the sport with pride, knowing he left everything inside the octagon. His popularity among fans and his undeniable work ethic guarantee that he will be remembered fondly and likely earn a place in the UFC Hall of Fame in the years ahead.
“I think Dustin really maximized everything he has, that he was born with,”
Brown said.
I think he did a great job. When he came into the UFC, I remember after Conor [McGregor] beat him, I don’t think anybody thought Dustin Poirier was going to be shit. At that point, I remember interviews asking me what do you think about Conor McGregor? He really hasn’t fought anybody. We didn’t know what Dustin Poirier would be at that time, but I don’t think anybody looked at him like ‘wow this is the next big guy.’
He didn’t come in with insane gifts or anything. I love and respect that so much. I hope he has an amazing life after. I hope that his life treats him well. Maybe he gets some books, speaking tours, makes a lot of money and lives a great life, and I think he’s earned every f*cking minute of it.”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. Poirier’s net worth is expected to be $10 million by 2025. He has wisely invested his money and secured major endorsement deals, including with Venum. Through “The Good Fight Foundation,” he also engages in charitable activities to help communities in need.