SALT LAKE CITY – Dustin Poirier is making no excuses for his brutal knockout loss to Justin Gaethje of their “BMF” title struggle at UFC 291.
Poirier (29-8 MMA, 21-7 UFC) went down laborious with a head kick within the second spherical of his rematch with Gaethje (25-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) on Saturday at Delta Heart, inflicting a major setback in his quest for the UFC light-weight title. As a lot because the consequence pains him, “The Diamond” refused to sulk afterward.
“It sucks,” Poirier advised MMA Junkie and different reporters on the UFC 291 post-fight information convention. “Dropping sucks, however I’ve misplaced earlier than. It’s not cool to be acquainted with these emotions, however I’ve been right here earlier than. However the profession I’ve had and the fights I’ve had, the place I’ve come from, I really feel like I’ve already received. I’m simply taking it minute by minute proper now. If I win like a person, I’ve acquired to have the ability to lose like a person.
“It’s heartbreaking. However I maintain coming again like Pookie. It retains calling me. I can’t cease. I’d want one other hit. I don’t know. I’m simply taking it sooner or later at a time, one minute at a time proper now. However I’m joyful proper now. My life is nice, my household is nice, my daughter is worked up for me to get dwelling. We’re not at a funeral right here. I’ve received. I’ve received life. I already received. The place I come from, I’ve already received.”
Associated
Justin Gaethje def. Dustin Poirier at UFC 291: Finest photographs
Twitter reacts to Justin Gaethje's insane KO of Dustin Poirier to win 'BMF' title at UFC 291
Poirier carried out properly within the opening spherical with Gaethje. Issues have been trending in his route earlier than a shocking kick to the cranium shut his lights out, giving Gaethje redemption from his fourth-round TKO defeat of their unique assembly within the 2018 Combat of the 12 months.
Poirier admits he didn’t anticipate the shot, as a result of Gaethje doesn’t typically make the most of that method.
“I simply acquired hit with a shot I didn’t see,” Poirier mentioned. “Naturally simply instincts I acquired one hand up, however the foot nonetheless acquired round. … I nonetheless can compete. I’ve tread on the tires. I really feel nice. I did a nine-week camp and pushed myself. Best reduce of my life. I busted my ass, that’s why shedding sucks. I did all this work, however nothing is assured.”
So far as his future, Poirier mentioned he couldn’t make some commitments. He was intrigued by the concept of a trilogy bout, however with Gaethje probably headed towards a 155-pound title shot towards the winner of October’s UFC 294 championship bout between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, the trail isn’t clear.
“Earlier than this one once they provided me Beneil (Dariush), I used to be identical to, ‘Ah, I’m not that enthusiastic about it,’” Poirier mentioned. “However when this one got here it acquired me scared and nervous due to what simply occurred may occur. That’s what saved me waking up within the morning to bust my ass. I knew not solely the thrill of the struggle, the hazard of the struggle – a win would get me – we’re No. 2 and No. 3. No. 1 already beat us, and he’s preventing for the title once more. How a lot greater on the ladder may I am going? A win over him can be a lock to get the title shot, I assumed. We’ll see.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 291.
