Tag: Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier plans one final match in the UFC: ‘Once more into the fray’

Dustin Poirier plans one final match in the UFC: 'Once more into the fray'Former interim UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has once more confirmed plans to make one final Octagon appearance off…

Dustin Poirier plans one final match in the UFC: 'Once more into the fray'

Former interim UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has once more confirmed plans to make one final Octagon appearance off the back of his latest undisputed title charge loss — revealing he plans to step into the “fray” for one last time.

Poirier, the current number four ranked lightweight contender, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 302 back in May, suffering a fifth round D’Arce choke submission defeat against current pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev in the pair’s heated grudge fight.

Dustin Poirier reveals he requested UFC release in 2019 it's been a war zone behind the scenes

And weighing up his fighting future in the immediate aftermath of his submission loss to the Russian, veteran lightweight star, Poirier failed to hang up his gloves, and in the weeks following the defeat, maintained he may fight one final time.

Dustin Poirier confirms plan for one final Octagon walk

On social media this weekend to boot, the Lafayette striking favorite once more confirmed plans to compete just once more in the UFC — amid links to a slew of high-profile bouts at his 155lbs home.

Dustin Poirier appears to shut down retirement talk make UFC return The Last Dance

“I will,” Dustin Poirier responded to a user on X who questioned if he would fight again. “Once more into the fray, into the last good fight I’ll ever know. Live and die on this day, live and die on this day.”

In his most recent win, the Louisianan fan-favorite turned in an impressive rallying win over French contender, Benoit Saint Denis — snapping the Nimes prospect’s impressive winning run with a blistering knockout success as recent as April.

Dustin Poirier still unclear on fighting future I'm still unsure about what's next

Earlier this week, however, the American Top Team staple confirmed he would not even entertain a potential grudge fight with former training partner, Colby Covington, claiming the outspoken veteran would not be making any sort of money off his name in a long-rumored pairing.

Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington – Bisping Likes Rumored UFC 309 Fight

Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington - Bisping Likes Rumored UFC 309 FightMichael Bisping likes the sound of a scrap between Dustin Poirier and Colby Covington. After coming up short in…

Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington - Bisping Likes Rumored UFC 309 Fight

Michael Bisping likes the sound of a scrap between Dustin Poirier and Colby Covington.

After coming up short in his third and final shot at the lightweight world title, ‘The Diamond’ left the door open for a return should something enticing come his way. Enter Covington, one of the most outspoken and outlandish characters in the UFC.

Colby Covington and Dustin Poirier

Recent rumors have suggested that Poirier and Covington could collide at UFC 309 when the promotion heads back to Madison Square Garden for a pay-per-view event tentatively scheduled for November 9.

Discussing the possibility of a fight between the pair of three-time title challengers, Bisping believes it would present a good opportunity for ‘Chaos’ to get back into the title picture while allowing Poirier the chance to score some redemption for his friend, Jorge Masvidal.

Colby Covington and Dustin Poirier

“He’s [Colby Covington] got his opportunities,” Bisping said on his podcast with Adam Catterall. “He’s not getting that opportunity again, anytime soon. He needs something big. He needs something juicy. He needs something to get himself up for it. Dustin Poirier is that name. A legend of the game. A guy that has been there, done it, got the T-shirt. You’ve just mentioned beef. Bit of bad blood. Dustin Poirier’s mates with Jorge Masvidal, he needs to get that one back for his pal, don’t he?” (h/t MMA News).

Bisping thinks the build-up for Colby Covington vs. Dustin Poirier would be ‘crazy’

Like Poirier, Covington is 2-3 in his last five fights. But unlike Poirier, all of those losses for Covington have come in UFC title fights. His only wins in the last five years have come against Tyron Woodley and Jorge Masvidal — two fighters who aren’t even with the promotion anymore.

You’d have to go back to 2018 just to find a win for Covington that came against a fighter still on the UFC roster.

Still, ‘Chaos’ has proven himself to be a valuable asset for the promotion, primarily because of his impeccable ability to sell a fight. Bisping thinks that could mean big business for the UFC should they see fit to pair up one of MMA’s top trash talkers with a heavy-hitting fan favorite.

“Listen, Colby, say what you want about him. The man’s a promotion machine. With all like the personal stuff that they can go to, They would blow that fight up, like crazy. I’d want to see it.”

Covington has not competed since a decisive decision loss against Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in what will hopefully be his final shot at UFC gold.

Colby Covington and Dustin Poirier

‘Mates With Jorge Masvidal’ – MMA Analyst Explains Why Rumored Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington Fight Makes Perfect Sense

Dustin Poirier has had an illustrious UFC career despite never winning an undisputed championship. He’s fought for the title three times, but came up short against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Islam Makhachev. He did become the interim UFC lightweight kingpin by beating Max Holloway, though. Colby Covington has had a similar run in the […]

Continue Reading ‘Mates With Jorge Masvidal’ – MMA Analyst Explains Why Rumored Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington Fight Makes Perfect Sense at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier has had an illustrious UFC career despite never winning an undisputed championship. He’s fought for the title three times, but came up short against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Islam Makhachev. He did become the interim UFC lightweight kingpin by beating Max Holloway, though.

Colby Covington has had a similar run in the UFC welterweight division. He won the interim title by beating Rafael dos Anjos but is 0-3 in undisputed title fights against the likes of Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards.

Although both Covington and Poirier have still been adamant about fighting for titles, rumors suggest that they might meet in the Octagon soon. Here’s why Michael Bisping and award-winning broadcaster Adam Catterall are big fans of the matchup…

Michael Bisping Excited To See Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington As The UFC 309 Co-Main Event Under Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Bisping and Catterall discussed the potential matchup between Poirier and Covington on the Michael Bisping Podcast YouTube channel recently. As soon as ‘The Count’ brought up the rumors, Catterall couldn’t hide his excitement.

“He’s [Colby Covington] got his opportunities. He’s not getting that opportunity again, anytime soon. He needs something big. He needs something juicy. He needs something to get himself up for it. Dustin Poirier is that name. A legend of the game. A guy that has been there, done it, got the T-shirt. You’ve just mentioned beef. Bit of bad blood. Dustin Poirier’s mates with Jorge Masvidal, he needs to get that one back for his pal, don’t he?”

The radio and TV presenter also highlighted that “The Diamond” is friends with Jorge Masvidal. The latter fought Covington in March 2022 after their long-time friendship turned bitter. Masvidal and “Chaos” have even had physical altercations outside the UFC, and their rivalry is as personal as it gets.

So, fighting Covington is a great way for Poirier to avenge Masvidal’s loss. He’s admitted to not liking the former interim UFC welterweight champion as well, and Bisping is very excited to see this beef getting settled inside the Octagon.

It’s unlikely for both Poirier and Covington to get title shots in their divisions now. However, as two of the biggest stars in the UFC, their fight can easily generate all the hype in the world. Bisping credited Covington for being an excellent promoter who can easily capitalize on the real resentment with his opponent this time around.

“Listen, Colby, say what you want about him. The man’s a promotion machine. With all like the personal stuff that they can go to, They would blow that fight up, like crazy. I’d want to see it.”

If the rumors are true, Poirier vs. Covington will be scheduled for UFC 309, the card expected to feature Jones vs. Miocic as the main event. It is safe to assume that tons of fans will tune in to watch the fight regardless of when it happens, though.

Continue Reading ‘Mates With Jorge Masvidal’ – MMA Analyst Explains Why Rumored Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington Fight Makes Perfect Sense at MMA News.

Donald Trump is a huge fan of Dustin Poirier: ‘He’s a really great fighter’

Former United States President, Donald Trump may have claimed earlier this summer how his all-time favorite fighter in combat sports is former UFC champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, however, showed some praise for the Russian’s prior foe, Dustin Poirier f…

Donald Trump is a Huge Fan of Dustin Poirier: "He's a really great fighter."

Former United States President, Donald Trump may have claimed earlier this summer how his all-time favorite fighter in combat sports is former UFC champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, however, showed some praise for the Russian’s prior foe, Dustin Poirier following his most recent Octagon walk.

Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined since he tackled on the above-mentioned, Nurmagomedov’s protege, Islam Makhachev in May – suffering a fifth round D’Arce choke submission loss in the pair’s undisputed title fight.

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And receiving plaudits for his showdown and performance with Makhachev in New Jersey, Poirier has now been lauded as a “really great fighter” by Republican candidate, Trump during his latest podcast tour.

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Donald Trump heaps praise on UFC star, Dustin Poirier

“He’s (Dustin Poirier) great, boy, I’ll tell you he’s a warrior,” Donald Trump told Theo Von. “Whether you like him or not, he’s a warrior. No, he didn’t lose that fight [against Islam Makhachev]. He’s really, man, his fight was tough. He was tough and I didn’t expect that same fight. He makes people suffer, there’s no question about that. He’s a pro – he’s a professional.”

“As that fight went along, he just got stronger and stronger,” Donald Trump explained. “He was getting pounded and was going to be choked out four different times and he just wouldn’t let it happen. Man, he’s good, he’s a really great fighter.”

Confirming plans for one fight fight in the Octagon amid speculation regarding his fighting future in combat sports, the above-mentioned Lafayette striker, Poirier welcomed the chance to box long-time rival, Nate Diaz to boot. 

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“I would love to [box],” Dustin Poirier said. “That would be fun and exciting. … Just a change of speeds, different training camp, just something different. I’ve been doing MMA a while. I still love the training camps and love fighting, but to go to purely boxing, the whole training camp would be a lot less wearing on my body. No wrestling, no jiu-jitsu, running, swimming, that’s fun.

“I’d box Nate [Diaz],” Dustin Poirier explained. “… I’d rather [fight] Nate in boxing, I think.”

Dustin Poirier wants Nate Diaz in boxing: ‘That’s fun’

Dustin Poirier wants Nate Diaz in Boxing 'That’s fun'While claiming the UFC has no interest in booking a long-anticipated grudge match between himself and promotional alum, Nate…

Dustin Poirier wants Nate Diaz in Boxing 'That’s fun'

While claiming the UFC has no interest in booking a long-anticipated grudge match between himself and promotional alum, Nate Diaz, former interim champion, Dustin Poirier has now expressed an interest in fighting the Stockton native inside the squared circle.

Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion, has ended speculation over his immediate fighting future off the back of his most recent walk – confirming plans for at least one final venture to the Octagon.

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Sidelined since he headlined UFC 302 back in May, former interim gold holder, Dustin Poirier dropped a stunning fifth round D’Arce choke submission defeat against current pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev – showing an impressive performance against the dominant Russian champion.

Dustin Poirier still unclear on fighting future I'm still unsure about what's next

As for Diaz, the former UFC lightweight title chaser made his sophomore outing in professional boxing earlier this year, landing a decision win over two-time foe, Jorge Masvidal – a long-time training partner of Poirier at their base at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida.

Dustin Poirier welcomes boxing fight with Nate Diaz

And weighing up his future in combat sports, Poirier, who claimed earlier this summer how Diaz was not an interesting opponent for him in the UFC according to promotional officials, welcomed the chance to fight him in a boxing match. 

“I would love to [box],” Dustin Poirier told MMA Fighting during a recent interview. “That would be fun and exciting. … Just a change of speeds, different training camp, just something different. I’ve been doing MMA a while. I still love the training camps and love fighting, but to go to purely boxing, the whole training camp would be a lot less wearing on my body. No wrestling, no jiu-jitsu, running, swimming, that’s fun.

“I’d box Nate [Diaz]. … I’d rather [fight] Nate in boxing, I think.”

Dustin Poirier appears to shut down retirement talk make UFC return The Last Dance

In his most recent win earlier this annum, Lafayette striker, Poirier turned in a rallying knockout win over French contender, Benoit Saint Denis, stopping the Nimes native with a second round knockout win in the co-main event of UFC 299. 

Arman Tsarukyan Names 3 Opponent Options For Interim UFC Title Fight In Light Of Islam Makhachev Injury

Should his expected shot at Islam Makhachev’s UFC lightweight title be delayed until 2025, Arman Tsarukyan is open to facing another contender for interim status. Tsarukyan secured his first opportunity at gold on MMA’s biggest stage by recording his biggest win to date at the expense of former champion Charles Oliveira on the milestone UFC […]

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan Names 3 Opponent Options For Interim UFC Title Fight In Light Of Islam Makhachev Injury at MMA News.

Should his expected shot at Islam Makhachev’s UFC lightweight title be delayed until 2025, Arman Tsarukyan is open to facing another contender for interim status.

Tsarukyan secured his first opportunity at gold on MMA’s biggest stage by recording his biggest win to date at the expense of former champion Charles Oliveira on the milestone UFC 300 card this past April.

With the promotion always looking to have Makhachev defend his belt in Abu Dhabi, Tsarukyan was expected to challenge his former opponent in the main event of UFC 308 this coming October.

Disaster stuck recently, however, after Makhachev suffered a severe hand injury that could leave him on the sidelines until late 2024 or even the next calendar year.

While a patient wait until December would be welcomed by Tsarukyan, the top contender wouldn’t mind returning to action in the meantime should the latter of those two timelines come to fruition…

Tsarukyan Open To Poirier, Gaethje, Chandler Matchups For Interim Title

During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, Tsarukyan provided an update on the status of his title shot following confirmation that Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway for the featherweight belt will instead top the UFC 308 lineup on Oct. 26.

The Russian-Armenian acknowledged that he may need to wait until 2025 to compete with undisputed gold on the line. And if that’s the case, he’d be open to adding a second champ to the division by facing either Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, or Michael Chandler for an interim strap.

“My manager told me I was gonna fight in October versus Islam, and then he said to UFC that he got injured. Now, they’ve moved that fight to December or maybe next year,” Tsarukyan said. “Of course it’s sad, because I already started training really hard and I’m in shape. … But it is what it is.

“If it’s December, for me it doesn’t matter. I’m gonna wait and train as much as I can,” Tsarukyan continued. “If Islam can’t fight this year, for sure I would like to fight for the interim title, and it doesn’t matter who is gonna be in front of me. Dustin Poirier, he is a solid fighter and he has a lot of experience. Yeah, it would be great. Dustin, Gaethje — Michael Chandler as well.”

During his rise up the lightweight ladder, Tsarukyan frequently accused the likes of Gaethje and Chandler of holding their top five positions hostage by not fighting up-and-comers.

More recently, his focus has been on Chandler’s continued wait for Conor McGregor’s comeback, which was recently scrapped from the UFC 303 card in June due to an injury to the Irishman.

With talk of Chandler finally moving on, perhaps the former three-time Bellator champ will be receptive to Tsarukyan’s interim title pitch.

Continue Reading Arman Tsarukyan Names 3 Opponent Options For Interim UFC Title Fight In Light Of Islam Makhachev Injury at MMA News.