Dustin Poirier believes that if he is destined to be crowned the UFC Lightweight champion, it will happen this weekend at UFC 302, when he takes on Islam Makhachev in the main event.
In an illustrious career, ‘The Diamond’ is yet to get his hands on UFC gold, having come closest when he claimed the Interim title against Max Holloway; but could not unify the title when he faced Khabib Nurmagomedov. Away from the belt, Poirier has fought the whose who at both Featherweight and Lightweight over his 14 years fighting for major promotions.
When asked if he believes he needs the belt to solidify his greatness in the sport, in an interview with ESPN MMA, the 35-year-old admitted that although he feels the belt would certainly help cement his legacy, he is extremely proud of what he has achieved in the sport thus far and if he was to stop competing, he could walk away content. He said:
“I mean, I think that title cements it. I think not only does the title cement my life's work, it also locks in a Hall of Fame. I feel (like I have)a Hall of Fame resume, maybe one day I'll be in the Hall of Fame. I think a lot of things depend on that title to be 100%. But, you know, my mindset, man, like I'm going into the unknown on June 1st.
“When I make that walk anything can happen, you know, good or bad, it's what we do. That's the dice, that's the that's the game we play walking out there every single time. That's part of why I still love this so much, because you don't know, you can do all the work and you don't know what's going to happen when those lights come on and the bell rings.
“It's a rush. It's exciting. But I'm in a spot where I'm old enough to think about my whole career and understand I have more behind me than I have in front of me, for sure. So I have to be content with whatever's going to happen.”
Away from his success inside the octagon, Poirier has also developed a hugely successful hot sauce business and set up The Good Fight Foundation, a charity committed to helping the people of Louisiana with everything from health car to food insecurity. He continued:
“Right now I'm proud of everything I've accomplished and I'm proud of the life I provided for my family. I'm proud of the way I use my platform for people whose voices aren’t heard. I'm proud of a lot of things. You know, I did more than I thought I would, you know, not that I I didn't think I was going to make it, It's just when I step back and look at my record and the things that I've done throughout my career, I'm appreciative, man.”
Poirier could finally have his crowning moment if he can find a way to beat Makhachev on Saturday night. With his daughter cage side, fighting in an arena that is located on a street named after a city located in his native Louisiana, there are many factors that set this up to be the dream night for ‘The Diamond’. Previewing the contest, the 35-year-old is taking it all in and is ready for what could be a career defining night in Newark.
“It is perfect. it just feels right. You know, I actually I just got back from the gym before I hopped on this call. I just did some drilling with Mike Brown and ran three miles after showered up at the gym and came home. A guy, a fan, was in the parking lot here, got out of his car, came up to me.
“He said, ‘Man, me and all my boys keep talking about it. You're going to pull it off. We just had this feeling you're going to knock him out.’ I'm like, things just feel right going into this one. You know, maybe third time's a charm. I've been in there with the best. I've got a lot of experience under my belt.
“Mentally, physically, I'm in a good spot, and I'm ready to go. Maybe it's time. Like I said over and over again, destiny doesn't make mistakes. What's meant for me won't miss me. If this is my destiny, if this is supposed to happen, I'm going to put in the work like I've always done.
“I’m going to take care of my body, take care of my mind, leading it to this fight week and I'm going to go out there and give it all I got., like I do every one, and if it's supposed to happen, it's going to happen and I'll be the world champion.”
Watch the full interview below:
