Dustin Poirier

Dustin Glenn Poirier (born January 19, 1989) is an American professional mixed martial artist.

He currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion.

As of August 1, 2023, he is #3 in the UFC lightweight rankings.

Born in Louisiana, Poirier began his professional MMA career in 2009.

Poirier turned professional in 2009, quickly compiled a record of 7–0, competing mostly in regional promotions across his native Louisiana and the Southern United States.

Glimpses of Poirier's early MMA career in Louisiana are depicted in the documentary Fightville.

He competed in World Extreme Cagefighting before transferring to the UFC in 2010.

Known for his boxing skills, especially his shifting punching style and extensive use of the shoulder roll, he has mostly finished his opponents through his proficiency in striking since the early days of his career in the UFC.

Poirier was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and is of Cajun heritage.

He attended Northside High School for a short time, but he dropped out in the ninth grade because of repeatedly getting into trouble and street fights.

Poirier lost a unanimous decision to Danny Castillo in his WEC debut on August 18, 2010, at WEC 50.

Poirier defeated Zach Micklewright via first-round TKO on November 11, 2010, at WEC 52.

In October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.

After the UFC/WEC merger, newly crowned UFC Featherweight Champion José Aldo was set to make his first defense against No. 1 contender Josh Grispi at UFC 125.

Aldo then had to withdraw from the bout due to a back injury on November 23, 2010.

Poirier agreed to step in and face Grispi at the event on January 1, 2011.

Poirier won the fight by unanimous decision.

Poirier was expected to face Rani Yahya on June 11, 2011, at UFC 131.

However, Yahya was forced from the bout with an injury, and he was replaced by promotional newcomer, Jason Young.

Poirier defeated Young via unanimous decision after three rounds.

Poirier faced Pablo Garza on November 12, 2011, at UFC on Fox 1.

Poirier defeated Garza via second round D'arce choke.

Poirier was expected to face Erik Koch on February 4, 2012, at UFC 143.

However, Koch pulled out of the bout, citing an injury, and he was replaced by Ricardo Lamas.

Then, just two weeks later, Lamas had to withdraw from the fight with an injury, leaving Poirier again without an opponent.

A week later, Max Holloway agreed to step in to fight Poirier.

Poirier defeated Holloway in the first round, with a triangle-armbar from the mount position, earning a Submission of the Night bonus.

Poirier faced Chan Sung Jung on May 15, 2012, in the main event at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier.

This was the first time Poirier has been put on the main event.

Jung defeated Poirier via submission (D'arce Choke) in the fourth round.

The performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.

The bout was honored as Fight of the Year by several publications at the conclusion of 2012.

Poirier defeated Jonathan Brookins on December 15, 2012, at The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale via D'arce Choke.

Poirier quickly returned to action, taking his second fight within 63 days as he stepped in as a replacement for an injured Dennis Siver.

Poirier faced Cub Swanson in the co-main event on February 16, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald.

During the fight, both fighters landed punches which appeared to hurt the other.

Poirier scored leg kicks and double leg takedowns.

Swanson retaliated with head kicks and submission attempts.

Poirier lost the fight via unanimous decision (29-28, 30–27, 30–27).