NEWARK, N.J. – Dustin Poirier isn’t certain what’s subsequent.
Heading into UFC 302, Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) thought of no matter occurred in Saturday’s title battle “future.” However now that he’s came upon successful was not within the playing cards, Poirier struggles to decipher what all of it means for his future.
As he sat on stage together with his pink “WAR” hat and floral shirt after his submission loss to Islam Makhachev, Poirier labored by way of the controversy aloud, although he knew a call wouldn’t come within the speedy.
“I used to be preventing to be the world champion,” Poirier advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “What else am I preventing for? Simply to battle for the joys – 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. But it surely’s such a tricky mountain to climb that I’ve climbed so many instances.
Poirier, 35, is a perennial contender and confirmed elite expertise throughout his principal occasion vs. Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) at Prudential Heart. The battle was his third failed title protection.
“I’m 35 and I see individuals and listen to individuals say, ‘That’s not outdated.’ However I’ve 50 fights,” Poirier stated. “I’ve been preventing since I used to be 17 years outdated. I fought my first cage battle once I was 18. I’ve 10 fights that aren’t on my report. I’ve simply obtained to digest every little thing, discuss to my household, discuss to my coaches, and see. There’s no rush on it however this could possibly be my final battle. 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 stated. “Tonight, if I had been to have received that belt, I’d be content material with every little thing I’ve finished on this sport. It’s simply I didn’t get the final word aim. The rationale 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 will probably be inconceivable, he predicted.
“Nothing fills that void of competitors I’ve been doing for therefore lengthy – the pureness of it, the 1-on-1 fight, making ready myself,” Poirier stated. “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 lots of stuff to weigh on.”
Weigh, Poirier will.
UFC CEO Dana White stated after Saturday’s occasion the promotion will all the time have a roster spot for him. It’s as much as him if he desires it.
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