Challenges in the Life of Dustin Poirier in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Dustin Poirier faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Dustin Poirier is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Lightweight division. A former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion, he has challenged multiple times for the undisputed Lightweight title and once for the BMF title. As of April 2024, he is ranked among the top lightweight contenders in the UFC.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

August 18, 2010: WEC Debut

On August 18, 2010, Dustin Poirier made his WEC debut at WEC 50, losing to Danny Castillo by unanimous decision.

May 15, 2012: Main Event Debut

On May 15, 2012, Dustin Poirier faced Chan Sung Jung in the main event at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier, marking his first time headlining an event; Jung won by submission, and both fighters earned Fight of the Night honors.

February 16, 2013: UFC on Fuel TV Loss

On February 16, 2013, Dustin Poirier faced Cub Swanson at UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald, losing via unanimous decision after stepping in as a replacement for Dennis Siver.

September 27, 2014: UFC 178 Loss to McGregor

On September 27, 2014, Dustin Poirier faced Conor McGregor at UFC 178, losing by TKO in the first round; this marked the first time Poirier was stopped by strikes.

October 24, 2015: Duffy Fight Cancelled

On October 24, 2015, Dustin Poirier's scheduled fight against Joseph Duffy at UFC Fight Night 76 was cancelled after Duffy sustained a concussion.

September 17, 2016: UFC Fight Night 94 Loss

On September 17, 2016, Dustin Poirier faced Michael Johnson at UFC Fight Night 94, losing the fight via first-round knockout.

February 11, 2017: UFC 208 Victory

On February 11, 2017, Dustin Poirier defeated Jim Miller via majority decision at UFC 208, earning his third Fight of the Night bonus award. He was later suspended indefinitely due to injuries sustained during the fight.

October 10, 2018: Pulled out of UFC 230

On October 10, 2018, Dustin Poirier pulled out of his fight with Nate Diaz at UFC 230 due to a hip injury, resulting in the bout's cancellation.

September 7, 2019: UFC 242 Loss

On September 7, 2019, Dustin Poirier faced Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 for the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship, losing via rear-naked choke submission in the third round.

February 21, 2020: SubStars Grappling Match Cancellation

On February 21, 2020, Dustin Poirier's grappling match against Garry Tonon at the SubStars event was canceled due to Tonon's injury. Poirier planned to donate his ticket and PPV sales and part of his purse to his foundation.

April 2021: Dispute over McGregor's Donation

In April 2021, Dustin Poirier stated that Conor McGregor had not yet made the $500,000 donation to the Good Fight Foundation as he had pledged before their fight, leading to controversy.

December 11, 2021: UFC 269 Loss

On December 11, 2021, Dustin Poirier faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 for the UFC Lightweight Championship and lost via a standing rear-naked choke submission in the third round.

July 29, 2023: UFC 291 Loss

On July 29, 2023, Dustin Poirier faced Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 for the 'BMF' belt, losing via head kick knockout in round two.

June 1, 2024: UFC 302 Loss

On June 1, 2024, Dustin Poirier faced Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 302 and lost the bout via a D'Arce choke in the fifth round, though he earned another Fight of the Night award and a $50,000 bonus.