Who is Dustin Poirier, McGregor’s Rival on his return to the UFC

For the occasional hobbyist, Dustin Poirier He may be a stranger or simply Conor McGregor’s rival at UFC 257 this Saturday. For those who are a bit more put, it will sound familiar, as he is the penultimate rival of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Meanwhile, the great fans know that It is a guarantee of spectacle and that the fight against McGregor is very interesting.

Poirier was born 32 years ago (he turned earlier this Tuesday) in Lafayette (Louisiana), but he is of French descent. He attended and wrestled at his local Northside High School, but for a short time. He dropped him in ninth grade for being a troublesome kid. As a fighter he debuted very young: with only 20 years. Its beginning was brilliant. He won eight of his first nine fights and all of his wins came before the limit. That business card helped him arrive at the UFC at 21 years old (22 years ago, only 18 days after its premiere).

In the most important company in the world he has had a good career, but for many years, when he was close to giving way to a great poster, he failed. It happened to him in 2012, in his first stellar match (just before he had defeated Max Holloway). The following year he asked against Cub Swanson and after three victories he faced McGregor in September 2014. The duel was highly anticipated, but the Irishman disconnected it an assault. He returned to another good streak (four victories) and again Michael Johnson stopped him.

There, in 2017 it was its turning point. He achieved a streak of five consecutive wins (in between he had a fight without result against Eddie Álvarez due to a double knee from his opponent) and against high-level rivals. Miller, Pettis, Gaethje, Álvarez and Holloway for the interim title. Thus the doors of Khabib were opened to him, who had just been sanctioned for the altercations against McGregor. He always gives a show, but the Russian was too much for him.

Now, after defeating Dan Hooker in June 2020, Poirier knows what is at another turning point. He’s a more mature fighter than when he fought McGregor and he knows what to do. If he wins, Khabib may wait for him again or the title if the Russian abandons the belt. Either way, victory will translate into a great opportunity. And he knows it. He has promised “a great war” against the Irishman. With a good striking and his toughness he can give it, although he defends better than The Notorious on the ground, perhaps that is his trump card. We will have to wait for Saturday. The ‘Diamond’ wants to shine.