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Dustin Poirier is a two-time title challenger in the UFC. He is also a former interim champion in the lightweight division. Unfortunately, 'The Diamond' has not managed to become the undisputed kingpin of his division. Twice now, he has failed to ascend to the divisional throne.
His first attempt came against Khabib Nurmagomedov. The former featherweight lost via rear-naked choke. His second attempt saw him clash with Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier again lost via a rear-naked choke. Since then, he has entertained bout offers from different opponents.
Given his recent career trajectory, perhaps 'The Diamond' should consider pursuing money fights instead of maintaining his title aspirations. While his skills haven't yet declined, this list details why he should consider a different direction.
#5. Dustin Poirier's quadrilogy with Conor McGregor awaits
The defining opponent in Dustin Poirier's career is Conor McGregor. The two men first clashed back in 2014 in the featherweight division. Their initial bout ended in a TKO loss for 'The Diamond'. Seven years passed before the two crossed paths again, this time in the lightweight division.
The Louisianian avenged his loss to the Irishman by scoring back-to-back TKO wins, with his second victory resulting in a graphic leg break that has kept McGregor sidelined ever since. Poirier's failures against the champions are a likely indication that he might simply never capture an undisputed title in the UFC.
At 33 years old in the lightweight division, his age will catch up to him sooner than it would in other weight classes. Thus, 'The Diamond' should perhaps focus on facing 'Notorious' for a fourth time. It will generate extremely high pay-per-view buys and earn Poirier enough money to pursue other ventures.
#4. He's failed twice to capture the undisputed title
The highest that Dustin Poirier has ever gone up the UFC ladder is interim championship status. Unfortunately, 'The Diamond' was unsuccessful in his two attempts at capturing undisputed gold. He first faced Khabib Nurmagomedov. During their bout, the Louisiana native was dominated and finished by 'The Eagle'.
In his next title fight, he locked horns with Charles Oliveira. Alas, he lost again. 'The Diamond' is not getting any younger. The reigning lightweight titleholder is Islam Makhachev. Stylistically, given Dustin Poirier's struggles with 'The Eagle's' chain-wrestling against the fence, he'll likely struggle similarly against his old foe's protege.
A product of the American Top Team (ATT), the former interim champion relies on wall-walking along the fence to counter his foes' wrestling. Unfortunately, this feeds into Makhachev's wrestling style. Furthermore, he'll likely require a few more wins to work his way back into a third title fight.
He's better served chasing fights that will earn him more money than fighting rising contenders with little name value to earn a third title fight.
#3. He's already picking and choosing his opponents
Typically, title challengers face any fighter who gets in their way as they chase title fights. Thus, it's unusual for title challengers to express an unwillingness to face certain foes. Dustin Poirier, however, is no average UFC fighter. Due to his successes against Conor McGregor, he's become a mainstream name.
One of the surging lightweights on the planet is Beneil Dariush. While the Iranian-American fighter has shown an interest in facing 'The Diamond', his feelings were not answered in kind. Poirier was clear in stating that a fight with Dariush did not excite him.
If Poirier has no intention of facing worthy contenders simply because they have no name value, then pursuing a title fight may not be the chief priority. Instead, his priority is crossing swords with opponents who will attract the most attention. He was more interested in a rematch with Justin Gaethje.
#2. The Colby Covington fight is an option
Colby Covington and Dustin Poirier have history. The two were once former teammates prior to the two-time welterweight title challenger's decision to abandon ATT. Ever since then, ill will has brewed between the two men. 'Chaos' has thrown countless verbal jabs at 'The Diamond'.
He even went so far as to target Poirier's wife and daughter in his trash talk. He often recounts how Poirier claimed that it was "on sight" between them. Unfortunately, Covington's attempts at goading his former training partner into a fight have been answered with a smug dismissal.
However, if Poirier is hoping for name-value fights, then a matchup with Covington makes perfect sense. Not only will it generate a large number of pay-per-view buys, but a loss to 'Chaos' in a welterweight bout will have no bearing on Poirier's ranking at lightweight. He could face Covington and then rematch Gaethje.
#1. Dustin Poirier's legacy is secure
A title fight is a make-or-break moment for most UFC fighters. Most fighters feel that their legacy is incomplete without capturing undisputed gold. Even former interim champions have echoed this sentiment. Dustin Poirier, however, is different due to the direction his career has taken.
His legacy is secure. Not only is 'The Diamond' a former interim champion, but he has defeated enough high-level fighters that his mettle can't be questioned. He has defeated former undisputed champions like Anthony Pettis, Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez. and Conor McGregor.
He also defeated former Bellator champion Michael Chandler and former interim champion Justin Gaethje. His body of work speaks for itself. Furthermore, his bouts with 'Notorious' have elevated his profile among the sport's casual fans to the point that he doesn't need a title win to earn a lot of money and recognition.
