5 reasons why Dustin Poirier is the best lightweight in the world at the moment

#4. Dustin Poirier is the complete package

UFC 242 Khabib v Poirier

Dustin Poirier possesses no weaknesses and is a complete fighter.

He is arguably the best boxer in the UFC because of the intangibles he brings to the table when brawling with his opponents. He can trap opponents with a sneaky counter-right hook, hit them with a stiff hard jab, switch to southpaw and land a loaded left hand; Dustin Poirier has a massive arsenal.

I never slack, I'll meet you in the middle of the octagon July 10th. https://t.co/cI9VqdtNhW

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) April 6, 2021

'The Diamond' also has a solid ground game. He is a known practitioner of the D'Arce choke and can also spring surprise guillotines. He also almost submitted Khabib at UFC 242, not an easy task considering the Dagestani's grappling prowess.

His defense is impeccable as well. His unorthodox guard and rock-solid chin can be frustrating for any opponent to overcome. Poirier also has the ability to take things to another gear when he smells blood.

#3. Dustin Poirier has grown mentally

UFC 257 Poirier v McGregor: Weigh-Ins

Developing skills inside the octagon is essential, but it's crucial to overcome the obstacles outside of it.

The emotional Dustin Poirier doesn't exist inside the cage anymore.

After his 2014 loss to McGregor, the Louisiana native admitted that the Irishman's trash talk had affected him.

Offense is a mindset, Defense is a skill.

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) July 25, 2020

Media, fans and Poirier himself suggested that McGregor's antics led to a poor result in his first fight against the Irishman. However, the second bout was a different affair, with both fighters extremely respectful of each other. Poirier said the build-up to UFC 257 was "smooth sailing" for him.

After knocking McGregor out on Fight Island, Poirier was on the receiving end of hostilities from the Irishman. Their trilogy fight, booked for the recently concluded UFC 264, had a personal feel to it after McGregor involved Jolie, Dustin's wife.

McGregor tried to berate and antagonize the Lafayette fighter and his family.

But unlike in their first hostile encounter, Dustin Poirier shut out the noise. 'The Diamond' looked focused and calm coming into UFC 264. He then performed at peak performance to defeat McGregor via TKO (doctor's stoppage).

Poirier's growth inside the cage has been undeniable, but his improvements outside the octagon are perhaps even more remarkable.