After a sensational win on Sunday during the co-main event of UFC 299, Dustin Poirier has his eyes set on the UFC Lightweight Champion of the World, Islam Makhachev. During an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour Podcast, Poirier revealed his plans for an instant comeback against Makhachev and discussed his infamous guillotine choke.
Dustin also shared details about his post-fight conversations with opponent Benoit Saint-Denis, his relationship with the fighter after the bout, and his advice to the fellow Lightweight contender.
Dustin Poirier talks on possible Islam Makhachev bout
In a further discussion with Ariel Helwani, Dustin Poirier revealed that he entered the Benoit Saint-Denis fight with injuries. Poirier revealed that during fight camp while training with fellow lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot, he busted his ribs.
Ariel Helwani further inquired about Dustin’s expected recovery time, to which Dustin replied that besides the rib injury, he practically took ‘no damage’ during the Benoit Saint-Denis fight and can make a comeback against Makhachev as soon as June of this year.
Although Dustin Poirier has called out for a title shot against Makhachev, it is expected that the winner of the co-main event of UFC 300, that is, Arman Tsarukyan vs Charles Oliviera, will likely be offered the title shot before.
This also places Poirier’s future matchups at a vague spot as Dustin has already fought most of the top contenders in the lightweight division, including Justin Gaethje (3 bouts), Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler and even Conor McGregor (3 bouts).
Dustin Poirier also discussed his infamous guillotine choke with Ariel. He attempted the guillotine multiple times on Benoit Saint-Denis before securing the win via KO/TKO. Dustin has gained significant attention for employing guillotine chokes against many opponents, including a notable attempt on Khabib Nurmagomedov.
This moment is often regarded as one of the closest instances anyone has come to putting Khabib in a choke. Poirier’s corner, including his lifetime coaches have at multiple times asked Dustin specifically not to go for the guillotine choke during bouts, to which Dustin says ‘he would never stop.’
Dustin Poirier reveals conversation with Dana White after UFC 299 win
Dustin Poirier’s win on Sunday night was celebrated with him jumping over the octagon. Dustin was spotted talking in the direction facing the seats of the President of the UFC, Dana White, and Donald Trump, who was also present in the arena.
Dustin Poirier revealed on The MMA Hour Podcast that he wasn’t talking to Donald Trump, but instead Dana White, and said, “You want me to fight these young motherf***ers, this is what happens!”
Dustin’s emotional celebration can also be attributed to the fact that he was a heavy underdog coming into the Benoit Saint-Denis fight, despite being a veteran in the UFC lightweight category.
Fans were convinced that Poirier, coming off a head kick knockout loss to Justin Gaethje, would not withstand the prowess of Benoit Saint-Denis, a hungry young contender with immense heart and talent. Despite being a betting underdog, Poirier revealed before the fight how it was also a bit of a personal vendetta for him, wanting to prove to himself whether he still had it.
