Dustin Poirier Contemplates Career’s End Ahead of UFC 299 Showdown with Rising Star Benoit Saint-Denis
In the heart of the octagon, a clash of generations looms large as seasoned veteran Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier prepares to face off against the rising star Benoit Saint-Denis at the co-main event of UFC 299. Poirier, a stalwart in the lightweight division, finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with the uncertainty of his future in MMA.
Speaking candidly with TMZ Sports, Poirier shed light on the precarious nature of his career, acknowledging that every fight could potentially be his last. With a record-breaking 30th UFC bout on the horizon, the former interim lightweight champion adopts a fight-to-fight mindset, eschewing long-term plans in favor of focusing on the present moment.
“I look at it, fight to fight, man. I’m not even looking at the next fight [or] the next year. I’m looking at next weekend,” Poirier shared. “Every fight could be it [my last fight in MMA]. Where I’m at, [at] 35 years old, this is my 30th fight in the UFC, every fight could be it.”
Poirier’s illustrious career boasts a formidable record of 29-8 with 1 no-contest, cementing his status as one of the lightweight division’s most revered competitors. With victories over notable luminaries such as Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Justin Gaethje, Poirier’s legacy in the sport is etched in history.
Despite his accomplishments, Poirier’s recent setback—a devastating KO loss to “The Highlight” at UFC 291—has dimmed his prospects of reclaiming championship glory. However, the Louisiana native remains undeterred, setting his sights on redemption and a return to the title picture with a decisive victory at UFC 299.
Opposing Poirier is the formidable Benoit Saint-Denis, a rising force in the lightweight division. With an impressive record of 13-1 and 1 no-contest, Saint-Denis has garnered attention for his relentless aggression and knack for finishing fights. Currently ranked No.12, a triumph over Poirier could catapult the Frenchman into the upper echelons of the division.
As fight night approaches, anticipation mounts as fans eagerly await the clash between these two formidable competitors. For Poirier, the stakes couldn’t be higher as he grapples with the possibility that each fight could potentially mark the end of an illustrious career that has spanned over a decade.
The journey to this moment has been marked by triumphs and tribulations, with Poirier emerging as a beacon of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. From humble beginnings to championship glory, Poirier’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable, earning him the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.
For Saint-Denis, the opportunity to test his mettle against a seasoned veteran like Poirier represents a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career. With momentum on his side and an insatiable hunger for success, the French phenom is poised to make a statement on the grand stage of UFC 299.
Poirier’s contemplation of retirement adds an additional layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated matchup. As he faces off against Saint-Denis, the outcome of this clash will not only shape the trajectory of their respective careers but also serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of competition in MMA.