Dustin Poirier Losses: Conor McGregor, Khabib and Every Other Defeat in the UFC Star’s Career

Dustin Poirier has been one of the top names in the UFC for many years. Primarily fighting in the lightweight division, the American MMA fighter has given fans numerous memorable moments and adventurous fights. However, his upcoming fight at UFC 302 will perhaps be the biggest fight at this stage of his career against Islam Makhachev.

Poirier’s MMA career has had several ups and downs throughout the years. While ‘Diamond’ has been able to win against high-profile opponents like Conor McGregor, he has also faced defeat in all but one of his title fights. Here is the list of all the times Dustin Poirier has lost in his MMA career.

Dustin Poirier’s defeats in the UFC

Before entering the UFC, ‘The Diamond’ had an impressive MMA career in his early days. The lightweight fighter remained undefeated in his first 7 professional career fights. However, he could no longer continue this streak, as he lost his 8th professional fight to Danny Castillo in 2010. This was the only loss he suffered outside the UFC, back when he was fighting in the WEC.

Dustin Poirier entered the UFC as a featherweight back in 2011. For the first few years in the pioneer MMA organization, the Louisiana native impressed all MMA fans with continuous victories. He was on a 4 fight win streak before losing his first MMA fight to Chan Sung Jung in 2012. It was a submission loss for the 5′ 9″ fighter.

Next, he lost to Cub Swanson at UFC on FUEL TV 7 via unanimous decision in 2013. After bouncing back with 3 back-to-back victories, Poirier faced Conor McGregor at UFC 178 in 2014. ‘The Notorious’ came out victorious with a first-round KO. However, that would not be the end of him racking up losses.

After this defeat to Conor McGregor, Poirier moved up to the lightweight division, where he went on a 4-fight win streak. However, MMA veteran Michael Johnson ended this streak by defeating ‘The Diamond’ via a first-round KO in 2016. Moreover, Poirier would also bottle many opportunities in title fights.

‘The Diamond’s UFC title fight losses

After a 6 fight-unbeaten streak including an interim lightweight title win over Max Holloway, Poirier got a title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov, where the latter won via submission. He then won three back-to-back – one against Dan Hooker and the other two against McGregor. ‘The Diamond’ would get yet another chance to grab the 155-pound gold against Charles Oliveira, but that opportunity would go to waste as well.

At UFC 269 in December 2021, Oliveira finished the American Top Team affiliate via a submission, capturing gold for the first time. Poirier’s most recent loss was at UFC 291 last year against Justin Gaethje. The fight was for the BMF title, and Gaethje came out victorious via a head-kick KO. In total, Poirier has suffered 7 defeats in the UFC.

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If you’ve paid close attention, you’ll notice that ‘The Diamond’s record, he has never lost twice in a row. Will he keep the tradition going on June 1? With a professional record of 30-8, Dustin Poirier is one of the most impressive UFC fighters in recent years. Can he defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 302? Let us know what you think, in the comments below.