Best Dustin Poirier UFC Fights

Dustin Poirier was a former UFC interim lightweight champion and undoubtedly one of the best fighters in UFC history. Although he competed three times for an undisputed title, he has not been able to call himself the undisputed king of the 155-pound division. However, his exciting fighting style has won him the hearts of fans.

This is also why he’s a perpetual favourite in online sports betting, particularly on MMA odds. But what were Poirier’s best UFC fights that defined his career and touted him as a future hall of famer of the sport? Find out below.

Best Dustin Poirier UFC Fights

Dustin Poirier vs. Anthony Pettis – UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Pettis

In November 2017, Poirier was matched with former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, and it was one of the biggest tests of his career due to the danger Pettis posed. But Poirier rose to the occasion and showed that he would be a household name in the division.

Poirier outstruck the lethal striker throughout the match and even controlled him for over six minutes on the mat. Eventually, he secured the third-round finish to add a massive name to his victim list.

Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 1 – UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Gaethje

Following that victory over “Showtime” Pettis, Poirier was pitted against another knockout artist, Justin Gaethje, in April 2018. The hype train for Gaethje was on a roll at that time because of his highlight-reel finishes, but Poirier halted that ascent.

“The Diamond” maximized his incredible cardio and gassed out Gaethje in the fourth round to secure the TKO win. In this victory, Poirier further proved that he could stand and trade with the best strikers in the division.

Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway – UFC 236: Holloway vs. Poirier 2

Poirier’s first championship opportunity came in April 2019 when he was pitted against former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway for the interim lightweight title at UFC 236 to determine the next opponent for the undisputed UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

It was their second encounter inside the octagon after Poirier submitted him in February 2012 as featherweights. This rematch was a better showing for both athletes, as they went back and forth throughout five rounds. But eventually, Poirier has done enough to persuade the judges to give him the unanimous decision nod.

Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor 2 – UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2

Poirier and Conor McGregor’s rivalry reignited in January 2021, as they were scheduled to meet for the second time in their UFC careers at UFC 257. This marked the return of “The Notorious” after his victory over Donald Cerrone a year before.

But Poirier spoiled McGregor’s return by withstanding his early pressure and beating him with various calf kicks, ultimately deciding the fight. This strategy paid off, as he compromised McGregor’s movement and caught him with multiple boxing combinations until the second-round knockout finish.

Dustin Poirier vs. Benoît Saint Denis – UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera 2

Fans and pundits believed that Poirier’s career was on a downward spiral after Gaethje knocked him out during their BMF title fight in July. That is why they expected him to lose when he was pitted against Benoît Saint Denis in March at UFC 299.

Poirier was being rag-dolled in the opening round by his French opponent, and the forecast about his decline was being witnessed firsthand. However, Poirier proved them wrong in the second round after he produced an incredible knockout victory to remain in the top five rankings of the stacked 155-pound weight class.