NEWARK, N.J. – Dustin Poirier isn’t positive what’s subsequent.
Heading into UFC 302, Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) thought of no matter occurred in Saturday’s title struggle “future.” However now that he’s discovered successful was not within the playing cards, Poirier struggles to decipher what all of it means for his future.
As he sat on stage along with his pink “WAR” hat and floral shirt after his submission loss to Islam Makhachev, Poirier labored by the talk aloud, although he knew a choice wouldn’t come within the rapid.
“I used to be preventing to be the world champion,” Poirier informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “What else am I preventing for? Simply to struggle for the fun – as a result of I’m hooked on it, little doubt … for the cash? I’m good.
“Me and my household are good. I don’t want the cash. Cash is nice, however my well being is first. What am I preventing for? To be the champion, once more? Will I ever get that shot, even when I get on a streak? I don’t know. However it’s such a tricky mountain to climb that I’ve climbed so many occasions.
Poirier, 35, is a perennial contender and confirmed elite abilities throughout his foremost occasion vs. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) at Prudential Middle. The struggle was his third failed title protection.
“I’m 35 and I see individuals and listen to individuals say, ‘That’s not previous.’ However I’ve 50 fights,” Poirier mentioned. “I’ve been preventing since I used to be 17 years previous. I fought my first cage struggle after I was 18. I’ve 10 fights that aren’t on my document. I’ve simply obtained to digest every part, discuss to my household, discuss to my coaches, and see. There’s no rush on it however this could possibly be my final struggle. I don’t know. I’ve simply obtained to get house and see what I’m preventing for.”
If Poirier had received and earned the title, he thinks the choice would’ve been simpler. The one field unchecked on his checklist would’ve been marked. Now, the field stays empty, though he was so shut.
“That’s the issue,” Poirier mentioned. “Tonight, if I have been to have received that belt, I’d be content material with every part I’ve accomplished on this sport. It’s simply I didn’t get the final word objective. The explanation I began preventing was to be the champion, undisputed. I didn’t get it. I don’t know. I don’t know.”
Preventing is a big a part of Poirier’s identification. Filling the time, vitality, and energy can be inconceivable, he predicted.
“Nothing fills that void of competitors I’ve been doing for thus lengthy – the pureness of it, the 1-on-1 fight, getting ready myself,” Poirier mentioned. “However preventing is such a egocentric sport. I’ve taken away from the individuals I like by focusing a lot on my myself and making an attempt to grasp this craft. I don’t know. It’s simply plenty of stuff to weigh on.”
Weigh, Poirier will.
UFC CEO Dana White mentioned after Saturday’s occasion the promotion will at all times have a roster spot for him. It’s as much as him if he needs it.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 302.
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