As Dustin Poirier approaches his final MMA bout at UFC 318, he reflects on his journey where, despite multiple opportunities, he never secured the undisputed lightweight championship under Dana White’s promotion. The seasoned fighter shares insights on why his pursuit of this goal fell short, underscoring the challenges faced along the way in his quest to become the undisputed champion.
Details of Poirier’s Attempts at the Undisputed Lightweight Title
Dustin Poirier pursued the undisputed lightweight title three separate times during his career. His first chance came in 2019 at UFC 242 against Khabib Nurmagomedov, a legendary figure in the sport. Although Poirier nearly landed a guillotine choke early on, Nurmagomedov managed to survive and ultimately won by submission in the third round. This fight marked a pivotal moment, showing how close Poirier was to achieving his goal, yet still short of the championship.
The second title shot occurred at UFC 269 against Charles Oliveira, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert. Oliveira secured a submission victory with a rear-naked choke in the third round, denying Poirier the belt once more. In each attempt, Poirier encountered elite opponents whose skills made the difference in high-stakes moments.
Poirier’s third and final attempt was at UFC 302 versus Islam Makhachev, who had strong ties to Nurmagomedov as his protégé. In this closely contested match, Poirier neutralized much of Makhachev’s wrestling advantage and remained competitive for the majority of the fight. However, Makhachev executed a tactical maneuver known as an angle pick to bring Poirier to the canvas in the last round and finished the fight with a Brabo choke, sealing Poirier’s disappointment once again.
“I did everything I could to become undisputed champion. I put myself in positions multiple times to get my hand raised and win that belt in the UFC, and just fell short. Just got beat by really good guys, made mistakes, and it is what it is. That’s life, that’s my story. I wouldn’t change anything; I’m proud of the work that I’ve put in. I’m proud of the things I’ve accomplished and the life that I’ve made.” — Dustin Poirier, UFC Fighter
Responding to Max Holloway’s Famous Dare to Fight
Max Holloway, known for his trademark gesture of pointing to the ground and challenging opponents to battle in the center of the octagon, has created some of the UFC’s most memorable moments. His call to engage has sparked thrilling slugfests, most notably when he knocked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 during their intense final seconds.
In an interview conducted by Shakiel Mahjouri, Dustin Poirier was directly asked if he would accept Holloway’s iconic challenge in their upcoming UFC 318 matchup. Poirier responded with conviction and without hesitation, affirming his readiness and familiarity with Holloway’s signature gesture.
“Dude, of course, I mean you’re talking to a guy who, I pointed at the ground against Max in our last fight, like what kind of question is that?” — Dustin Poirier, UFC Fighter
The Significance of Poirier’s Career and What Lies Ahead
Dustin Poirier’s career has been defined by resilience and high-level competition against some of the most formidable fighters in the lightweight division. Although he never clinched the undisputed championship, his journey highlights the intense challenges at the sport’s elite tier. His willingness to face tough adversaries like Nurmagomedov, Oliveira, and Makhachev illustrates a career marked by determination and discipline.
As he prepares for his trilogy fight with Max Holloway, Poirier’s reflections offer both closure and motivation. His story serves as a testament to perseverance in MMA, showing that success is not only measured by titles but also by the legacy of effort and heart demonstrated in the octagon. UFC fans will be watching closely to see how Poirier concludes this chapter of his career at UFC 318, anticipating a memorable showdown that encapsulates his fighting spirit.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. As of 2025, Poirier is believed to have a net worth of $10 million. He has wisely managed his money, gaining endorsements from brands such as Venum. Additionally, through his “The Good Fight Foundation,” he supports underprivileged communities by engaging in various charitable activities.