'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
On July 10th, Dustin Poirier gained the second straight win in his three-fight rivalry against 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor.
The win wasn't entirely satisfying since the Irishman broke his lower tibia in the dying seconds of the first round. Referee Herb Dean called a stop to the contest between rounds one and two, declaring Poirier the winner by TKO via doctor's stoppage.
Regardless of the finish, 'Diamond' asserted his dominance over the Irish superstar in the lead up to the injury and once again showed that he was the better fight. All three judges scored the first round for Dustin Poirier, with two judges deeming his performance worthy of a 10-8.
Since his first fight against Conor McGregor back in 2014, Dustin Poirier has won some spectacular bouts against elite competition.
On that note, we take a look at five reasons why Dustin Poirier should be considered the best lightweight in the world today.
#5. Dustin Poirier has scratched his way to the top
In a perfect world for ratings and recognition, Conor McGregor would have defeated Dustin Poirier in either one of his fights with the Louisiana native.
Instead, reality showed us who the better man is. Despite Dustin Poirier putting up spectacular performances after another, 'The Diamond' hasn't received his fair share of acclaim and stardom.
His 2014 loss to McGregor was the last time Poirier competed in the featherweight division. He moved up to 155 lbs but hit a setback in 2016, losing to Michael Johnson after going on a four-fight win streak.
'The Diamond' regrouped himself and went on a five-fight win streak, only to lose to Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the greatest lightweights of all time, in 2019.
Since his loss against 'The Eagle,' Poirier is now on a three-fight win streak, with two coming against fierce rival Conor McGregor.
Despite several setbacks in his UFC career, Dustin Poirier has endured. The American Top Team product has always found his way back to the top. He will now get a title shot against current lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, giving Poirier the chance to make his status as the best lightweight in the world official.
Also read: 3 reasons why Dustin Poirier is a better fighter than Conor McGregor
#4. Dustin Poirier is the complete package
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.
'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
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.
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.
Also read: 3 reasons Dustin Poirier will beat Charles Oliveira
#2. Dustin Poirier has built an all-time resume at 155 lbs
Since moving up to 155 lbs in 2014, Dustin Poirier has defeated some of the all-time greats in the division.
Poirier defeated former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje by TKO stoppages. He submitted former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. 'The Diamond' also beat former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway by unanimous decision to win the interim lightweight belt.
He also defeated former two-division champion Conor McGregor twice in 2021. Both outcomes were indisputable, and Poirier has consolidated his position among the lightweight elites.
#1. Dustin Poirier is in the top 5 P4P list
Prior to his retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov held both a spot in the top two of the pound-for-pound list and the UFC lightweight strap.
A year later, that same belt is now in with Charles 'Do Bronx' Oliveira, who holds the ninth-ranked spot on the top 10 P4P list.
Where is Dustin Poirier? 'The Diamond' holds the distinctive accomplishment of being in the top five in those rankings.
The only other fighter to hold a top-five spot without UFC gold around his waist is Jon Jones. This shows the level of dominance Dustin Poirier has displayed in the UFC.
Do you think Dustin Poirier is the best lightweight in the world right now? Sound off in the comments!
