In 2021, Dustin Poirier started the year with an upset by defeating Conor McGregor at UFC 257. Post the bout, he was offered to face Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title. This was an opportunity that most, if not all lightweight fighters would have desired, however, the 35-year-old was more interested in another go at McGregor—but why? That is because a fight against, ‘The Notorious,’ often means it’s the biggest payday you’ll ever have.
So, years after his two bouts, ahead of his upcoming fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, which will be his third fight for the undisputed lightweight title, how about we take a look at his earnings from his fights against the Irishman?
Dustin Poirier’s highest earning against Conor McGregor – UFC 264
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No one, especially Poirier would not refuse a title fight for another fight with a massive incentive. The mere fact he resorted to fighting McGregor instead of Oliveira is a testament to the same. This would make one curious, as to, how much Poirier earned in actuality. As per reports, he is reported to have earned more than $5 Million, making it his biggest purse as of yet.
However, it bears mention that Poirier had enough leverage to make any demand he deemed fit. After all, he got a win over McGregor by then the former Lightweight champion was eager to avenge his defeat. The fact that he earned more than $5 Million is a testament to the leverage he held.
Moreover, he has fought against the Irishman on other occasions. Their first fight took place at UFC 178 and the rematch at UFC 257. So let’s take a look at the earnings of his first two fights.
Dustin Poirier’s earnings at UFC 257 and UFC 178
McGregor was a mere prospect when he fought against the 35-year-old for the first time. At the time, he was not the star that he is today, and subsequently, the fight did not much attention. That is why, in their first fight, the American fighter received a purse of $84,000. However, in the rematch, the fight garnered over a Million pay-per-view buys that assisted the 35-year-old fighter to bag a bigger purse.
Read more: Dustin Poirier Claims UFC’s Bold Decision Saved Him a “Bunch of Money”: “I’m Glad It Happened”
Safe to say, fighting McGregor is indeed quite lucrative. Bearing the aforementioned revelation, we ask, were you aware of these facts? Moreover, what do you think Dustin Poirier will earn at UFC 302, given that it is one of the biggest lightweight bouts in UFC history? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
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Read more: Dustin Poirier Announces Unexpected Retirement Plans After UFC 299 Benoit Saint-Denis Fight