‘If I choose to fight again, I’ll be back strong’: Disappointed Poirier uncertain of fighting future following UFC 242 defeat
MMA

‘If I choose to fight again, I’ll be back strong’: Disappointed Poirier uncertain of fighting future following UFC 242 defeat

Dustin Poirier has suggested he may retire in the wake of his defeat in the UFC 242 main event.

By John Balfe - 8 Sep 2019

Dustin Poirier has suggested that his mixed martial arts career may have come to an end after his third-round submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.

The American fighter, who earned his championship shot following a string of impressive performances against the likes of Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Max Holloway, showed promise at various points during his highly-anticipated bout with the undefeated Russian. He scored with several straight shots on the feet and forced Nurmagomedov back on his heels, while also sinking everything he had into a Hail Mary guillotine choke attempt late in the third but once Nurmagomedov managed to work himself into position to remove his neck from danger, it seemed the end was near — and it was.

Nurmagomedov sunk a choke, coerced a tap from the challenger and it was all over.

Poirier cut a forlorn figure in the cage, apologising to those who were disappointed by his defeat and followed that up with a post to Instagram Story on Sunday in which he appeared to be questioning his fighting future.


“Thank you guys for the support,” Poirier said. “It means a lot to me. If I choose to fight again, I’ll be back strong. If not, I’ll see what God has in store for me. Thank you.”

 

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