ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - SEPTEMBER 07: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia compete against Dustin Poirier of United States in their Lightweight Title Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Dustin Poirier lost to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269
UFC 269 saw a huge main event with Charles Oliveira defending his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier.
Many had predicted that Poirier would finally become undisputed champion by beating Oliveira. However, it was the Brazilian who got the win in the end thanks to a rear-naked choke.
This was Poirier’s second loss in a title decider and The Diamond questioned his future in the sport.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, shared his thoughts on this situation.
The Eagle believed that if a fighter doubts his abilities and brings up retirement, it won’t go the right way.
Khabib was speaking in a press conference in Russia and believes Poirier might not be the same (h/t MMA Mania):
“After the fight, he said he needs to think, does he need it at all? If such thoughts came to his mind, it means he will win, but he will win and lose.
“He will not go to the end when it will be necessary. Sometimes, you look at the athlete and see how fast he changes. I say it to my close friends. While there is a time you should stay active and keep fighting. If this switch clicks once, he will never go back. I think his switch clicked.”
Khabib was the other person that Poirier could not defeat in his quest to be undisputed champion.
The Russian also retired from the sport after defending his title against Justin Gaethje. Khabib is 29-0 in his career and he seems to be completely out of the fighting game.
It will be interesting to see what is next for Poirier. The Diamond might need some time off to clear his head but he could face Nate Diaz.
There have been call outs from both after UFC 269, and they were to meet at UFC 230. However, that fight was called off after Poirier opted to undergo surgery.
Diaz vs Poirier would be a blockbuster event, and maybe that could be enough to fire up The Diamond for another fight in the Octagon.
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