The past year hasn’t been an easy ride for Dustin Poirier, far from it. Following his knockout loss to Justin Gaethje for the BMF title at UFC 291, Poirier went through a dark spell that lasted for some time. In a reflective mood as he spoke with Theo Von, Poirier referenced the old saying, ‘You’re only as good as your last fight.’ Poirier held himself to that following his defeat to Gaethje, and negative thoughts began to consume him. That saying is very harsh, particularly in the UFC, where the fighters are so evenly matched, and there are various ways to finish your opponent. It’s easy to be in control for most of the fight and succumb to a head kick or spinning elbow at any moment. The margin for error is unforgiving in the Octagon, and people quickly forget a fighter’s prior accomplishments when they should continue to be celebrated.
Poirier most likely recognizes this, but it’s one of those ‘easier said than done’ things, particularly for someone who earns their living through one-on-one combat. The competitive nature and desire to win at all costs are part of what makes people like Dustin Poirier so successful in the first place. If Poirier weren’t bothered about losses as much as he is, he likely wouldn’t have reached the heights he has over his fifteen-year career in mixed martial arts.
Aftermath of defeat to Justin Gaethje
After his loss to Justin Gaethje, Poirier struggled to be at home and often got up in the middle of the night to go and stay alone in a hotel. He can’t fully explain this behavior, but it makes sense the more you think about it. After seeking help from a professional and committing to therapy, brighter times came for Poirier as he got back on the horse and began training for a fight against Benoit Saint-Denis, a man surging up the rankings with a big reputation.
It was a big risk for Poirier, one he didn’t need to take. But he did, and he came through the test in impressive fashion, scoring a second-round KO at UFC 299 last month. It’s displays of bravery like this that gave him the opportunity to fight for the BMF title in the first place. Along with Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje, their courage, fighting style, and longevity have made the aforementioned huge fan favorites.
”When you’re winning, you can get this momentum when everything’s going good, you can kind of get in that groove where you’re just on cruise control. But when you lose, and the phone stops ringing, and you’re at home laying in bed, going to sleep by yourself… the dust settles, you know? That’s when you experience yourself, who you really are, I think that’s important, you know?”
Dustin Poirier on ‘This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von’ podcast
Poirier’s openness in relation to his struggles follows other UFC stars, such as Alexander Volkanovski and Sean Strickland, who recently have been open about their struggles with day-to-day life. It’s important to hear this from fighters as normal as everyday people will relate. It’s also a reminder that no matter how tough somebody is on the outside – and Poirier certainly is – they’re still human beings and go through tough times just as much as the rest of us.
‘The Diamond’ got through the tough times, and now good things are coming his way again. He’ll be back in action on June 1 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, as he gets another crack at lightweight gold against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Should Poirier win, it would complete a remarkable journey for the former interim champion.
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