Dustin Poirier: Here Are 6 Signs That Point to Destiny at UFC 302

Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier, the pride of Lafayette, Louisiana, will face Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 this Saturday in a bout that could define his legacy.

This fight is not just another match for Poirier; it's the culmination of a promise he made to himself and his wife at the tender age of 17.

This fight is deeply personal for Poirier, and the stakes are higher than ever.

Fighting on Familiar Grounds

The fight's location adds another layer of significance for Poirier. Although The Diamond is the last person who will buy into the hype, fighting on Lafayette Street (the location of the Prudential Center in New Jersey), he feels a strong connection to his hometown. "If it’s meant for me, it won’t miss me," he says, reflecting his belief in destiny.

Poirier is not swayed by statistics or odds but is focused solely on the process and his performance.

The Weight of Legacy

At 35, Poirier knows that opportunities to climb the summit again are rare. He has fought some of the best in the business, beaten many of them, and has learned valuable lessons from his losses.

Despite his achievements, including an interim title belt, Poirier yearns for the undisputed championship. He wants to feel the exhilaration of having his hand raised as the world champion, a feeling he has chased throughout his career.

A Family Affair

This fight is also special for Poirier’s daughter, Parker, who will see him live in the octagon for the first time.

This personal milestone adds to the emotional weight of the evening, and if it has any effect on Dustin, it will be to his advantage.

Poirier’s reflections on family life reveal his desire to be present for his wife Jolie, their daughter, and all his loved ones, missing soccer practices and birthday parties and hinting at a potential retirement. However, he assures that any decision about his future will be made thoughtfully, in consultation with his team and family.

Facing Islam Makhachev

Poirier dismisses Makhachev's comments that he cannot win, asserting that if he lands a clean shot, Makhachev will go down.

Having fought Khabib Nurmagomedov, Poirier understands the challenge of facing a fighter with a similar style.

Yet, he believes his experience and skill set give him a fair chance. "Every time I go out there, it’s a fight. It’s kill or be killed. I’m going to finish Islam, or he’s going to finish me," he asserts.

A "Diamond" Tribute to Willie Spence

Poirier’s walkout will be a heartfelt tribute, combining his usual entrance song, James Brown's "The Boss," with a cover of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” by the late Willie Spence.

Poirier has seen the fan comments tagging him in Spence's performances and feels that Spence’s powerful voice perfectly captures the gravity of the moment.

This mashup not only pays homage to Spence but also signifies the blend of strength and vulnerability Poirier brings into the octagon.

The Final Chapter?

For Poirier, this fight is about more than titles and accolades. It's about fulfilling a promise made when he didn't even know where he was going with dreams of becoming a professional fighter, proving that he can overcome all odds. He has fought his way from a high school dropout to the cusp of greatness, driven by a spirit that never backed down or stayed down and committed to his dreams. As he steps into the octagon, Poirier is not just fighting for a belt but for a storybook ending to his illustrious career.

Dustin Poirier has one final chance to write his name in the history books as the undisputed world champion.

Win or lose, he will leave it all in the octagon, driven by a promise, powered by a tribute, and inspired by the journey that has brought him to this moment.