Has Dustin Poirier ever won a belt?

By Ali Hammad December 07, 2023 08:40

Dustin Poirier is a highly accomplished mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the world of professional fighting. Known for his relentless work ethic and impressive skills inside the octagon, Poirier has faced some of the toughest opponents in the lightweight division. In this article, we will delve into Poirier's career and explore whether he has ever won a championship belt.

Early Career

Dustin Poirier began his professional MMA career in 2009 and quickly rose through the ranks with a series of impressive victories. He showcased his striking ability, submission skills, and overall versatility, catching the attention of both fans and promoters. However, during the early stages of his career, Poirier did not have the opportunity to compete for a championship belt.

UFC Career

Poirier made his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2011, where he continued to display his talent and determination. He competed in the featherweight division initially and faced several tough opponents, including Max Holloway, Cub Swanson, and Chan Sung Jung. While Poirier achieved notable victories during this period, he did not secure a championship belt.

Move to Lightweight

In 2015, Poirier made the decision to move up to the lightweight division, which proved to be a turning point in his career. The move allowed him to compete against larger opponents and showcase his true potential. Poirier's skills flourished in the lightweight division, and he quickly established himself as a top contender.

Interim Lightweight Championship

In 2019, Dustin Poirier had the opportunity to compete for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. He faced the formidable featherweight champion, Max Holloway, in a highly anticipated bout. Poirier showcased his striking prowess and toughness, ultimately defeating Holloway via unanimous decision and securing the interim lightweight belt.

Unification Bout

Following his victory over Max Holloway, Poirier set his sights on the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship. In September 2019, he faced the reigning champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in a unification bout. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Poirier was unable to overcome Nurmagomedov's dominant grappling and suffered a submission loss in the third round.

Pursuit of the Belt

While Dustin Poirier was unable to secure the undisputed lightweight championship, he has remained determined to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Since his loss to Nurmagomedov, Poirier has continued to compete against top-ranked opponents in the division, demonstrating his resilience and skill set.

Trilogy with Conor McGregor

One of the most notable fights in Poirier's career came in 2021 when he faced former two-division champion Conor McGregor for the third time. The rivalry between the two fighters was highly anticipated, and Poirier managed to defeat McGregor via knockout in the first round. This victory solidified Poirier's position as one of the top contenders in the lightweight division.

while Dustin Poirier has not won the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship, he has achieved great success in his career, including winning the interim lightweight belt. Poirier's relentless work ethic, determination, and skill set have made him one of the most respected fighters in the division. As he continues to compete against top-ranked opponents and pursue his dream of becoming a champion, there is no doubt that Poirier's legacy in the sport of mixed martial arts will be remembered for years to come.