“That Was a Mental Hurdle”: Snubbing Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier Names the Irishman’s Arch-Nemesis as His Toughest Loss

There is a reason why Dustin Poirier is called ‘The Diamond’! The UFC fighter is one of the strongest warriors in the game of MMA, and it is tough to get the smallest crack in the former UFC interim champion’s performance. Call it the unfortunate fate of MMA, Poirier has not been able to win a UFC lightweight title till now.

Now, Poirier faces Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 for the BMF belt and a probable chance for a title shot. Recently, the American fighter opened up about his MMA past and revealed his toughest loss in the octagon. While many thought it would be his loss against, Conor McGregor at UFC 178, his answer surprised many!

Dustin Poirier names Khabib Nurmagomedov, not Conor McGregor as his toughest loss!

Recently, the 34-year-old appeared in an interview with Fred Pinto. Talking about the roller coaster ride he had, Poirier also shed some light on his toughest loss. According to the former interim champ, it was against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242. “Honestly, the Khabib loss was one of the toughest ones for me. Because obviously it was for the world championship, and I lost,” he said.

What made this defeat particularly challenging for Poirier was the subsequent hip surgery he had to undergo. According to him, it rendered him immobile for over eight weeks. This physical limitation prevented him from following his usual routine after losses, which involved immediately immersing himself in training to overcome the disappointment.

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“I couldn’t put any weight on my leg because I had hip surgery,” he said. “And I wasn’t able to do what I normally do after losses, which is just jump in the gym, two days, drown out all the thoughts, all the noise, just trying to get better. So that one was one like that was a mental hurdle I had to get over after that loss,” Poirier added.

The lightweight contender also gave out his thoughts on his upcoming opponent.

‘The Diamond’ talks about the changes in his opponent Justin Gaethje

In the same interview, Poirier also shed some light on his next opponent, Justin Gaethje, who he defeated 5 years ago. In a positive tone, Poirier acknowledged his opponent’s evolution as a fighter. Recognizing Gaethje’s technical growth, ‘The Diamond’ praised his improved footwork, effective use of the jab, and enhanced defensive skills.

“I always prepare for everything but he’s more technical now. He’s moving his feet better, he’s using his jab better. He’s uh… getting better with his defense,” he said. Poirier further commended Gaethje’s recent performances, noting that he displayed a smarter approach in his last fight.

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“We fought five years ago so we’re both completely different fighters now. And his last few performances, especially his last one, you know, he fought a lot smarter than he usually does,” Poirier said. What are your opinions about his remarks? Let us know in the comments below.