The octagon, a crucible of human spirit and physical prowess, has witnessed countless battles. Among its most enduring warriors is Dustin Poirier, `The Diamond,` who recently concluded an illustrious career after UFC 318. His journey through the featherweight and lightweight divisions has been marked by a relentless pursuit of greatness, an iron chin, and a willingness to stand toe-to-toe with the sport`s most formidable strikers.
As Poirier steps away, the inevitable question arises: after absorbing an estimated lifetime`s worth of devastating blows, who hit him the hardest? His career, spanning 32 professional fights, is a testament to his resilience, yet even a diamond can feel the impact of a well-placed strike.
The Unveiling: Punches That Resonated
In a recent candid reflection, Poirier shed light on the strikes that truly left an impression. While his record, punctuated by a few knockout losses, might suggest certain moments of vulnerability, `The Diamond` clarified that sheer force isn`t always synonymous with the immediate outcome of a fight. His chin, famously durable, has been tested by an array of powerhouses.
The first name to emerge from his memory was Justin Gaethje. The specific instance: the head kick that concluded their second encounter at UFC 291. Poirier`s description was succinct yet impactful:
“Head kick from Gaethje was a nasty one.”
This particular knockout was significant, as it marked the first time Poirier had been stopped by strikes in seven years, a testament to Gaethje`s extraordinary power and precision.
The second fighter Poirier highlighted was none other than Conor McGregor, specifically referencing their initial clash at UFC 178 in 2014. Despite Poirier later securing two decisive victories over the Irishman, that first encounter in the featherweight division left a lasting impression.
“First fight with Conor was a good spot,” Poirier recounted, adding, “He hit me with a good punch.”
This acknowledgment from Poirier adds an interesting layer to their legendary rivalry, highlighting the early potency of McGregor`s striking before Poirier adapted and overcame in their subsequent bouts.
A Chin Forged in Fire: The Diamond`s Resilience
While discussing the hardest hits he`s taken, it`s crucial to underscore Poirier`s remarkable resilience. Even in his final fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318, where his chin was tested early, Poirier not only survived all five rounds but managed to secure a knockdown against Holloway in the second round. This ability to absorb, recover, and counter-strike is a hallmark of his career, a quality that elevated him to interim champion status and secured his place among the lightweight elite. His resume reads like a who`s who of mixed martial arts, featuring multi-fight sagas with Holloway and McGregor, and single encounters with legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, Eddie Alvarez, and Justin Gaethje.
The Unfought Legends: A Glimpse into Parallel Universes
Beyond the battles he endured, Poirier`s career also leaves us with intriguing “what-ifs.” Despite sharing the cage with a pantheon of champions, a few iconic names eluded him. He expressed a desire to have faced grappling wizard BJ Penn and fan-favorite brawler Donald `Cowboy` Cerrone during their primes, envisioning exciting stylistic matchups that never materialized.
Perhaps the most discussed “missed” opportunity was a long-awaited clash with Nate Diaz. The fight was scheduled for UFC 230 in 2018, only for Poirier to withdraw due to injury, and the bout was never rebooked—much to the chagrin of fight fans. Another notable mention is Tony Ferguson. A potential lightweight showdown was on the cards for UFC 254 in 2020 after Ferguson`s incredible 12-fight win streak was broken. However, negotiations between Poirier and the UFC failed to yield an agreement, leaving another tantalizing matchup on the drawing board.
These unfought encounters serve as a curious footnote to an otherwise complete and celebrated career, a testament to the unpredictable nature of fight negotiations and fighter health in a sport where anything can change in an instant.
Dustin Poirier`s Enduring Legacy
Dustin Poirier retires not merely as a former interim champion, but as a fighter whose commitment to his craft, unwavering bravery, and charitable efforts outside the cage have resonated deeply with fans globally. His ability to consistently compete at the highest level, recover from adversity, and engage in some of the most memorable wars in UFC history has cemented his legacy. The punches he took, and the ones he delivered, form the narrative of a career that will undoubtedly be studied and admired for generations to come. He may have felt the sting of a few, but `The Diamond` always shone brightest under pressure.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley