Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier (born January 19, 1989) is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed from 2009 to 2025. He formerly competed in the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was an interim UFC Lightweight Champion. Poirier also challenged three times for the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship and twice for the BMF title. Although he never captured an undisputed UFC title, Poirier is frequently cited by MMA media and fellow fighters as one of the greatest lightweights in the sport's history.

Poirier is tied with Edson Barboza for the second most Fight of the Night awards in UFC history, with 10. He has landed 1,861 career significant strikes, the fifth most in UFC history, including 1,308 in the lightweight division, which ranks second in divisional history. His 11 career knockout victories are tied for the third most in modern UFC history, with nine of those coming at lightweight, also the second most in the division. Fight Matrix currently ranks him as the fifth-greatest lightweight fighter of all time and the 26th-greatest fighter pound for pound.

Poirier's rematch and trilogy bouts against Conor McGregor rank among the highest-selling pay-per-view events in UFC history. UFC 257 generated approximately 1.6 million buys, while UFC 264 drew around 1.8 million. He reportedly earned $1 million for UFC 257 and $10 million for UFC 264, the latter marking the largest payday of his career.

Early life and education Poirier was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and is of Cajun heritage. His parents split up when he was around five years old. 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.

Mixed martial arts career Early career 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.

World Extreme Cagefighting 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.

Ultimate Fighting Championship 2010 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.

2011 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.

2012 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.

2013 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).

Poirier faced Erik Koch on August 31, 2013, at UFC 164. Poirier hurt Koch with punches throughout the fight, knocking him down with a punch near the end of round 1 and nearly finishing the fight. He won the bout by unanimous decision. After the win, Poirier wanted a rematch with Cub Swanson. He told reporter Ariel Helwani that Swanson must "be a man".

Poirier faced Diego Brandão on December 28, 2013, at UFC 168. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

2014 Poirier faced Akira Corassani at The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale on April 16, 2014. He won the fight via TKO in the second round. The win also earned Poirier his second Fight of the Night bonus award.

Poirier faced Conor McGregor on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178. He lost the fight by TKO in the first round. This was the first time Poirier was stopped by strikes. After the match, Poirier said: "I always saw it as a plus but the Conor McGregor fight was the turning point. I remember I was backstage getting ready to walk out and I saw him and he threw this smile and pointed at me. I don't know why but it really got to me, man. It really messed with my head."

After the loss, Poirier transferred up a weight class to the Lightweight division. Poirier said that it was because weight cuts were distracting him from training. He also claimed that he would never go back to featherweight nor move up to welterweight. "This is the division (lightweight) I'm going to win the belt at," said Poirier in an interview.

2015 Poirier faced Carlos Diego Ferreira in a lightweight bout on April 4, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 63. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. The win also earned Poirier his first Performance of the Night bonus award and a disclosed pay of $118,000, the highest disclosed pay received by Poirier at the time.

Poirier faced Yancy Medeiros on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68. He won the fight via TKO in the first round, after dropping Medeiros twice with punches. The win also earned Poirier his second Performance of the Night bonus award.

2016 Poirier was expected to face Joseph Duffy on October 24, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 76. However, Duffy pulled out of the fight on October 21, three days prior to the event, after sustaining a concussion during a sparring session. In turn, the pairing was rescheduled and took place on January 2, 2016, at UFC 195. Poirier won the fight by unanimous decision. After the bout, Poirier was hospitalized for a broken nose. He had a lay off for six weeks due to the injury.

Poirier next faced Bobby Green on June 4, 2016, at UFC 199. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. Poirier received a disclosed pay of $110,000, the second highest disclosed pay received by Poirier in his career at that point.

Poirier faced Michael Johnson in his second main-event bout on September 17, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 94. Poirier lost the fight via first-round knockout.

2017 Poirier fought Jim Miller on February 11, 2017, at UFC 208. Poirier punched Miller against the fence, which appeared to hurt Miller. In return, Miller repeatedly kicked Poirier's legs. Later on, Miller swept Poirier onto the mat and failed a kimura attempt. Poirier won the back-and-forth fight via majority decision. The win also earned Poirier $50,000 and his third Fight of the Night bonus award. Due to injuries sustained during the fight, Poirier was suspended indefinitely.

After the suspension, Poirier fought Eddie Alvarez on May 13, 2017, at UFC 211. Poirier rocked Alvarez in the second round but was subsequently dropped when Alvarez landed two illegal knee strikes while Poirier was against the fence. With the Texas commission not operating under the new unified rules, referee Herb Dean declared the fight a no contest, as he did not believe Alvarez knew Poirier was a grounded opponent at the time.

Poirier faced Anthony Pettis on November 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 120. He won the fight via TKO after Pettis tapped out due to a broken rib when Poirier applied a body triangle in the third round. This fight also won him the Fight of the Night bonus award.

2018 After the Pettis fight, Poirier signed a new contract with UFC although he had three fights remaining in his previous contract. Poirier faced Justin Gaethje on April 14, 2018, at UFC on Fox 29. He won the fight via TKO in the fourth round. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night bonus award.

Poirier faced Eddie Alvarez in a rematch on July 28, 2018, in the main event at UFC on Fox 30. He won the fight via TKO in the second round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

On August 3, 2018, it was announced that Poirier had agreed to fight Nate Diaz on November 3, 2018, in Madison Square Garden. The bout was expected to be the co-headliner of UFC 230. However, on October 10, 2018, it was announced that Poirier pulled out due to a hip injury and as a result the bout was cancelled.

2019 As a result of the Khabib Nurmagomedov incident at UFC 229, the then lightweight champion Nurmagomedov was unable to defend his undisputed title until late 2019 which led to an interim lightweight title fight. For the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship, Poirier faced UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway on April 13, 2019, at UFC 236. He won the back–and–forth fight by unanimous decision to earn the title and also break Holloway's thirteen fight win-streak. This fight also earned him the Fight of the Night award, his fourth consecutive performance bonus.

Poirier faced the undefeated and undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov on September 7, 2019, in a title unification bout at UFC 242. He lost the bout via rear-naked choke submission in the third round.

2020 Poirier faced Dan Hooker on June 27, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker. He won the exciting back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision. This fight earned him his seventh Fight of the Night award. The bout was widely considered one of the greatest fights of the year and was a contender for multiple awards.

2021 As the first bout of his new contract, Poirier faced Conor McGregor in a rematch of their 2014 bout at UFC 257 on January 24, 2021. He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round, becoming the first person to defeat McGregor by knockout in an MMA bout. This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Poirier faced McGregor for the third time on July 10, 2021, at UFC 264. Poirier won the fight in round one via technical knockout after the ringside doctor stopped the bout due to McGregor suffering a broken tibia, rendering him unable to continue.

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

2022 Poirier faced Michael Chandler on November 12, 2022, at UFC 281. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

2023 Poirier faced Justin Gaethje in a rematch of their 2018 bout for symbolic UFC "BMF" belt on July 29, 2023 at UFC 291. He lost the fight via head kick knockout in round two.

2024

Poirier faced Benoît Saint Denis in a 5 round co-main for UFC 299 on March 9, 2024. He won the bout by knockout in the second round. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.

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

2025 In his retirement bout, Poirier faced former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway in a trilogy bout for the symbolic UFC "BMF" belt on July 19, 2025, at UFC 318 in his home state of Louisiana. He lost the fight by unanimous decision and retired after the bout.

Fighting style

Poirier holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Tim Credeur, but mostly finishes his opponents through his proficiency in striking. His boxing skills are lauded, and he has showcased them in significant victories over elite-level strikers such as Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, Dan Hooker, Max Holloway, and Conor McGregor. He is noted for his shifting punching style and extensive use of the shoulder roll as well as forearm and elbow blocks from the stonewall defense.

Poirier used to train at Gladiators Academy under retired MMA fighter Tim Credeur. After his loss to Chan Sung Jung, Poirier moved to American Top Team. In April 2018, Poirier and his wife founded the Good Fight Foundation. Poirier proceeded to auction his UFC Fight Night 120 and UFC on Fox 29 fight kits as well. The money raised went to the family of a deceased Lafayette police officer and the Acadiana Outreach Center, respectively. Poirier also auctioned his UFC on Fox 30 fight kit and used the money raised to buy 500 backpacks for school children in his hometown of Lafayette.

After his bout with Nurmagomedov at UFC 242, the two swapped shirts after the fight. In his post-fight interview, Nurmagomedov said that he would be selling the shirt Poirier gave him and donating the proceeds to Poirier's charity. Likewise, Poirier announced that he would be auctioning off his UFC 242 fighting equipment to raise funds for the foundation. After the event, Poirier auctioned his fight kit with Nurmagomedov's walkout shirt for $60,200. Simultaneously, Nurmagomedov sold Poirier's walkout shirt for $100,000 which was matched by Dana White for a combined total of a $200,000 donation to Poirier's foundation. According to Poirier, his foundation is working with Justin Wren's Fight for the Forgotten to help provide clean drinking water to the Echuya Batwa people in Uganda.

Poirier was set to face Garry Tonon in a grappling match at SubStars event on February 21, 2020, from which Poirier was supposed to be donating his ticket and PPV sales and part of his purse to his foundation. However, Tonon suffered an injury a week before the match and the bout was canceled.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Poirier's foundation donated 1,000 meals to the employees of three major hospitals in his native Lafayette area.

On June 26, 2020, Poirier was awarded the Forrest Griffin Community Award by UFC for his charity work.

In recognition of Poirier's charitable contributions, Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory declared March 15, 2021 Dustin Poirier Day in Lafayette, Louisiana and awarded Poirier a key to the city.

While still in the octagon immediately after his loss to Charles Oliveira, Poirier pledged twenty-thousand dollars ($20,000) to a charity of Oliveira's choosing in Oliveira's native Brazil, with the money eventually going to the Charles Oliveira Institute, which teaches martial arts for free to kids in Guaruja, Brazil.

After UFC 257, McGregor was scheduled to donate $500,000 to the Good Fight Foundation as he had pledged before their scheduled bout. In April 2021, Dustin Poirier stated the donation had not been made. The dispute has been a source of controversy in sports media.

In July 2023, Poirier spent a day with a 17-year-old boy and cancer patient while training for UFC 291 as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Business ventures Outside of fighting, Poirier has pursued in business and charity ventures.

On December 8, 2020, Poirier announced the release of his new Cajun hot sauce brand Poirier's Louisiana Style Hot Sauce. Poirier founded the Good Fight Foundation, a charity where athletes and fans can support underserved communities.

On January 5, 2022, Poirier announced the release of his bourbon Rare Stash Bourbon.

Personal life Poirier resides in Lafayette, Louisiana with his family. During his active career, he conducted training camps at American Top Team in South Florida, where he temporarily relocated ahead of fights. He is married to Jolie LeBlanc, and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2016. In November 2025, they had a son.

Poirier got his first tattoo at the age of 14. Currently, his chest and arms are covered in tattoos, including one on his chest that reads 武士道 (bushidō), which means "the way of warriors" in Japanese.

Legal issues On June 21, 2026, Poirier was removed from a flight in Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport for public intoxication and arrested. Responding officers' body-camera footage showed Poirier insulting the airport staff and provoking an officer to fight him, taunting the officer by saying "it's gonna be bad, my nigga." In a statement released by Poirier via Instagram, he wrote "I'm at the point where I need some help" and "alcohol isn't the answer."

Filmography Films Year Title Role Notes 2011 Fightville Himself Main character Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown Cage Fighter Uncredited Cameo TBA Road House 2 TBA Post-production

Video games

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship Interim UFC Lightweight Championship (One time) Fight of the Night (Ten times) Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Max Holloway 1 Tied (Anthony Johnson, Thiago Santos, Anderson Silva & Drew Dober) for fifth most knockouts in modern UFC history (11) Tied (Matt Brown, Vicente Luque & Max Holloway) for fifth most finishes in UFC history (15) 2020: President's Choice Fight of the Year Nominee 2022: President's Choice Fight of the Year Nominee 2024: President's Choice Fight of the Year Nominee UFC.com Awards 2011: Ranked #7 Import of the Year & Ranked #10 Upset of the Year 2012: Half-Year Awards: Best Fight of the 1HY & Ranked #2 Fight of the Year 2017: Ranked #8 Fighter of the Year & Ranked #4 Fight of the Year 2018: Ranked #2 Fight of the Year & Ranked #9 Fighter of the Year 2019: Ranked #4 Fight of the Year 2020: Ranked #3 Fight of the Year 2021: Ranked #6 Upset of the Year & Ranked #10 Knockout of the Year 2022: Ranked #3 Fight of the Year 2024: Ranked #5 Fight of the Year , & Half-Year Awards: Best Fight of the 1HY International Sport Combat Federation ISCF Amateur Lightweight Tournament Championship (One time) MMA Junkie 2014 April Fight of the Month vs. Akira Corassani at The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale: Bisping vs. Kennedy 2018 Fight of the Year 2018 April Fight of the Month 2020 June Fight of the Month vs. Dan Hooker at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker 2021 January Fight of the Month vs. Conor McGregor at UFC 257 2022 November Fight of the Month vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 281 MMA Weekly 2018 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje MMA Fighting 2012 Fight of the Year 2018 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2024 Third Team MMA All-Star 2025 #3 Ranked Fight of the Year 2025 Walkout of the Year Wrestling Observer Newsletter 2012 Fight of the Year vs. Jung Chan-Sung at UFC on Fuel TV 3 2018 Fight of the Year vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje World MMA Awards 2019 – July 2020 Fighting Spirit of the Year for charity - Good Fight Foundation CBS Sports 2017 #4 Ranked UFC Fight of the Year 2018 UFC Fight of the Year 2019 #2 Ranked UFC Fight of the Year 2020 #3 Ranked UFC Fight of the Year ESPN 2020 Round of the Year 2020 Mensch of the Year Bloody Elbow 2012 Fight of the Year FIGHT! Magazine 2012 Fight of the Year MMA Mania 2024 #4 Ranked Fight of the Year MMA Sucka 2018 Fight of the Year Combat Press 2018 Fight of the Year Slacky Awards 2018 Technical Turn-Around of the Year State/Local May 2019: Key to the City of Lafayette Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation 2025: Legacy Award

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Max Holloway Decision (unanimous) UFC 318

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Loss

Islam Makhachev Submission (brabo choke) UFC 302

Newark, New Jersey, United States Win

Benoît Saint Denis KO (punches) UFC 299

Miami, Florida, United States Loss

Justin Gaethje KO (head kick) UFC 291

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Win

Michael Chandler Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 281

New York City, New York, United States Loss

Charles Oliveira Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 269

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Conor McGregor TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 264

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Conor McGregor TKO (punches) UFC 257

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Dan Hooker Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Khabib Nurmagomedov Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 242

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Max Holloway Decision (unanimous) UFC 236

Atlanta, Georgia, United States Win

Eddie Alvarez TKO (punches) UFC on Fox: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2

Calgary, Alberta, Canada Win

Justin Gaethje TKO (punches) UFC on Fox: Poirier vs. Gaethje

Glendale, Arizona, United States Win

Anthony Pettis Submission (body triangle) UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Pettis

Norfolk, Virginia, United States NC

Eddie Alvarez NC (illegal knee) UFC 211

Dallas, Texas, United States Win

Jim Miller Decision (majority) UFC 208

Brooklyn, New York, United States Loss

Michael Johnson KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson

Hidalgo, Texas, United States Win

Bobby Green KO (punches) UFC 199

Inglewood, California, United States Win

Joseph Duffy Decision (unanimous) UFC 195

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Yancy Medeiros TKO (body kick and punches) UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Win

Carlos Diego Ferreira KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas

Fairfax, Virginia, United States Loss

Conor McGregor TKO (punches) UFC 178

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Akira Corassani TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale: Bisping vs. Kennedy

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Win

Diego Brandão KO (punches) UFC 168

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Erik Koch Decision (unanimous) UFC 164

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Loss

Cub Swanson Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald

London, England Win

Jonathan Brookins Submission (brabo choke) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Jung Chan-sung Technical Submission (brabo choke) UFC on Fuel TV: The Korean Zombie vs. Poirier

Fairfax, Virginia, United States Win

Max Holloway Submission (triangle armbar) UFC 143

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Pablo Garza Submission (brabo choke) UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. dos Santos

Anaheim, California, United States Win

Jason Young Decision (unanimous) UFC 131

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Win

Josh Grispi Decision (unanimous) UFC 125

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Zach Micklewright TKO (punches) WEC 52

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Danny Castillo Decision (unanimous) WEC 50

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Derek Gauthier KO (punches) Ringside MMA 7

Montreal, Quebec, Canada Win

Derrick Krantz Submission (armbar) USA MMA 11

Lafayette, Louisiana, United States Win

Ronny Lis Submission (armbar) USA MMA 10

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States Win

Daniel Watts KO (punches) Bang FC 10

Greenville, Mississippi, United States Win

Joe Torrez TKO (punches) USA MMA 8

New Iberia, Louisiana, United States Win

Nate Jolly Submission (armbar) Cajun FC 1

New Iberia, Louisiana, United States Win

Aaron Suarez KO (punches) USA MMA 7

Shreveport, Louisiana, United States Amateur mixed martial arts record Win

Paul Soileau KO (punches) USA MMA 6

Lafayette, Louisiana, United States Win

Gilbert Jimenez Decision (unanimous) No Love Entertainment: Full Throttle January 24, 2009

New Orleans, Louisiana United States Win

Mario Jaquez KO (punches) Collision at the Coliseum 4: Caged Conflict

Lafayette, Louisiana, United States Win

Will Barlow KO (punches) Ring Rulers: Rumble on the River

Alexandria, Louisiana, United States Win

Chad Buckley TKO (punches) ISCF: World Amateur Championships 2008

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States Win

Kody Blazek Submission (triangle choke) ISCF: World Amateur Championships 2008

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States Win

Wesley Branch TKO (punches) ISCF: Battle Cage 360

Texarkana, Arkansas, United States Pay-per-view bouts