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 Glenn Poirier is an American 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 UFC Lightweight Championship and once for the BMF title. As of July 1, 2025, he is ranked #6 in the UFC lightweight division.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

August 18, 2010: WEC Debut Loss

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

May 15, 2012: Loss to Jung at UFC on Fuel TV

On May 15, 2012, Dustin Poirier faced Chan Sung Jung in the main event at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier, losing via submission in the fourth round. Both fighters earned Fight of the Night honors.

February 16, 2013: Loss to Cub Swanson at UFC on Fuel TV

On February 16, 2013, Dustin Poirier faced Cub Swanson at UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald, losing the fight via unanimous decision.

September 27, 2014: Loss to McGregor at UFC 178

On September 27, 2014, Dustin Poirier lost to Conor McGregor by TKO in the first round at UFC 178. This was the first time Poirier was stopped by strikes.

January 2, 2016: Victory Over Duffy at UFC 195

On January 2, 2016, Dustin Poirier defeated Joseph Duffy by unanimous decision at UFC 195. He was later hospitalized due to a broken nose sustained during the fight, leading to a six-week layoff.

September 17, 2016: Loss to Johnson at UFC Fight Night 94

On September 17, 2016, Dustin Poirier lost to Michael Johnson via first-round knockout at UFC Fight Night 94.

February 11, 2017: Victory Over Miller at UFC 208

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

October 10, 2018: Poirier Pulls Out of Diaz Fight

On October 10, 2018, Dustin Poirier pulled out of his fight against Nate Diaz due to a hip injury, leading to the bout's cancellation.

September 7, 2019: Loss to Nurmagomedov at UFC 242

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

February 21, 2020: SubStars Grappling Match Canceled

On February 21, 2020, Dustin Poirier was scheduled to face Garry Tonon in a grappling match at the SubStars event. Poirier intended to donate his ticket and PPV sales, along with a portion of his purse, to his foundation. However, the bout was canceled a week prior due to an injury sustained by Garry Tonon.

April 2021: Controversy 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 that McGregor had pledged before their scheduled bout after UFC 257. This dispute became a source of controversy in sports media.

December 11, 2021: Loss to Oliveira at UFC 269

On December 11, 2021, Dustin Poirier lost to Charles Oliveira via submission at UFC 269 for the UFC Lightweight Championship.

July 29, 2023: Loss to Gaethje at UFC 291

On July 29, 2023, Dustin Poirier lost to Justin Gaethje via head kick knockout at UFC 291 for the symbolic UFC "BMF" belt.

June 1, 2024: Loss to Makhachev at UFC 302

On June 1, 2024, Dustin Poirier lost to Islam Makhachev via a D'Arce choke in the fifth round at UFC 302. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award and a $50,000 bonus.