Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
For Dustin Poirier, dealing Khabib Nurmagomedov’s his first loss is far more significant than getting even with Conor McGregor.
At this point in his career, top lightweight contender Dustin Poirier only cares about the legacy he leaves behind. So if he was given the chance to avenge his losses against either Khabib Nurmagomedov or Conor McGregor, “The Diamond” is picking the former.
“If the belts weren’t on the line, just for my legacy, I would love to beat Khabib,” Poirier told MMA Junkie. “Nobody’s ever beat him. Nobody’s ever climbed that mountain. I would love to be the first one. That’s historic. That’s legendary.
“That’s the stuff I’m out to do. I’m not out for rematches and grudge matches and revenge. I’m a grown man, I don’t hold that stuff in my heart. I have a family and this is a business to me.”
As an 11-year MMA veteran who’s been with the UFC since 2011, the 31-year-old Poirier feels more secured with his accomplishments.
“When I was younger, I might have wanted to fight Conor or fight anybody who beat me,” he explained. “But I’m just comfortable with everything. I’m comfortable with my record, with the stuff that I’ve done, the fights I’ve done. The fights that I’ve lost, I learned my lessons and tried to keep moving forward. So I’d really like to be the first one to beat Khabib.”
Poirier was knocked out by McGregor in less than two minutes when they fought at featherweight back in 2013. He was then finished by Khabib in the third round of their title fight at UFC 242 last September.