Tag: Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier knows why he wasn’t selected for UFC 249, picks Justin Gaethje to KO Tony Ferguson

Dustin Poirier doesn’t necessarily like the logic, but he gets it.

[autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] understands why he wasn’t chosen to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov against [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] at UFC 249.

When news surfaced that Nurmagomedov was unable to defend his lightweight title against Ferguson in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Poirier, the former interim champion, was among those to throw his name in the hat to take the fight.

Ultimately, the promotion decided to go with [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag], who now meets Ferguson for the interim 155-pound belt on the April 18 card, which will reportedly go down at Tachi Palace Casino Resort just outside of Lemoore, Calif.

Despite the fact Poirier (25-6 MMA, 17-5 UFC) holds a TKO win over Gaethje (21-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) from less than two years ago, he sees why the UFC went the direction it did. Poirier is coming off a loss to Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 in September, and if he beat Ferguson, the UFC would be positioned to run an immediate rematch with Khabib.

“I think that’s exactly what it was,” Poirier told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “Me coming off the loss to Khabib, it’s just a new contender, a guy on a streak, an exciting fight. It’s just what happens. It’s business. I understand it’s a business. I can’t twist their arm and make them do things. Of course I would love to be in there across from Tony, but it’s all good. I’ve just got to fight and win, and everything will resolve itself.”

From the moment the new UFC 249 main event was announced, Poirier hasn’t shied away from offering a prediction. Ferguson and Gaethje are two of the great action fighters in the UFC, with a combined 17 fight-night bonuses over the course of their octagon tenures.

The fight will see a clash between two forces of violence, but Poirier said he’s got a strong inclination of which way it goes.

“I think (Gaethje is) going to knock Tony out,” Poirier said. “Both guys on the technical side of it don’t have the most crisp technique when it comes to kickboxing, but they’re both very damaging fighters. They both go in with reckless abandonment of their own self to land the big shots. I just think Gaethje is going to land something big on the inside and hurt Tony, man. I really do. We’ve seen Tony hurt a few times. I just think Gaethje is going to be the one to finish him.”

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If Ferguson does fall to Gaethje at UFC 249, it would represent one of the great tragedies for a fighter. After putting together a 12-fight winning streak at lightweight, the world has been keen to see “El Cucuy” finally clash with Nurmagomedov, who is undefeated at 28-0 and riding 12 consecutive UFC wins.

A loss to Gaethje might spell the end of 36-year-old Ferguson’s title aspirations, and therefore hope for a showdown with Nurmagomedov. Poirier doesn’t sympathize, though, because that’s part of the fight game.

“Nah (I wouldn’t feel bad), that’s fighting,” Poirier said. “You take the risk. We’ll see what happens. That’s just fighting. It’s so unpredictable.”

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Dustin Poirier talks UFC 249, gives thoughts on Ferguson vs. Gaethje

Dustin Poirier talks to MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn abou tthe upcoming main event for UFC 249

Dustin Poirier talks to MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn abou tthe upcoming main event for UFC 249

Common opponent Dustin Poirier predicts potential Conor McGregor vs. Justin Gaethje fight

Dustin Poirier is one of a select few who has shared the octagon with both Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje.

[autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] is one of a select few who has shared the octagon with both [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag]. If the pair were to face off, “The Diamond” has a thought on who would come out the winner.

Poirier, the former interim UFC lightweight titleholder, went 1-1 against the pair, who are rumored to meet in July, though the ongoing coronavirus pandemic makes all future plans a little uncertain. Poirier suffered a first-round knockout loss to McGregor (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) at UFC 178 in September 2014, but beat Gaethje (20-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) by fourth-round TKO at UFC on FOX 29 in April 2018.

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So, how would a McGregor vs. Gaethje clash go? Based off his experience, Poirier is calling for a win by “The Notorious” (via Twitter):

It remains to be seen if McGregor vs. Gaethje is the next fight booked. McGregor’s longtime head coach John Kavanagh confirmed on Friday that the matchup had been discussed, but the UFC schedule could be reshuffled as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact not just the leading MMA promotion, but the sports world as a whole.

Poirier is feeling part of that. He was supposed to fight Dan Hooker on a UFC card in San Diego on May 16, but the California State Athletic Commission has since suspended all combat sports events through May, leaving the bout and card in limbo (via Twitter):

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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, March 31: Is lightweight getting a new look?

If one thing is certain right now, it’s that nothing is certain, and that includes the future of the UFC’s 155-pound division.

If one thing is certain right now, it’s that nothing is certain.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on every aspect of the world’s global operations, and the sporting world is no different. Both the UFC and Bellator have canceled events, and the PFL has been forced to delay its 2020 season. Next up on the chopping block is a long-awaited UFC lightweight title fight between current champ [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] and former interim titleholder [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag].

Ranked in the top two slots of the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA lightweight rankings, the two were expected to face off at UFC 249 on April 18, but that card taking place anywhere in the world seems like anything but a guarantee, even as UFC president Dana White does his best to try and keep it together. Nurmagomedov is currently in Russia, where he faces an international travel ban that could keep him in the country.

And, of course, White hasn’t even announced if he has a location for the card secured.

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No. 4 [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] has been mentioned as a possible replacement opponent for Ferguson, but “The Highlight” has often mentioned his disdain for taking short-notice fights, and he’s been linked to a summer fight with No. 5 [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag], as well.

No. 3 [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] has also mentioned his willingness to step up on short notice, but he’s been expected to face No. 7 [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] on May 16 in California – of course, assuming that fight card still takes place, as well.

In the meantime, No. 6 [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag] is due for a big fight after his recent win over Kevin Lee – the main event of a March 14 card in Brasilia that, right now registers “Do Bronx” as the last UFC fighter to pick up a win in the octagon.

And, of course, if there was ever a fighter that would be willing to fight during a global pandemic, perhaps on an aircraft carrier out in international waters or maybe in a C-17 flying a few miles up over the Earth’s surface, No. 7 [autotag]Donald Cerrone[/autotag] probably knows a guy.

In other words, much like everything else in our world, who really knows what’s going to happen next? While we wait, check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, which, for now, look a lot like last week’s rankings, as well.

Spinning Back Clique: What is going on with Jon Jones? And UFC 249, what is even happening?

Quite simply, where does Jon Jones go from here after his latest arrest? And quite confusingly, what the heck is going on with UFC 249?

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” unpack potential fallout from Jon Jones’ latest run-in with the law, what the hell is going on with UFC, and more.

SHOW RUNDOWN:

  • By now you probably have heard that UFC light heavyweight champion [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] was arrested last week on charges of aggravated DWI, negligent use of a gun, and more after police responded to hearing a gun shot in downtown Albuquerque only to find an intoxicated Jones in his car with a loaded gun, according to the police report. We’ve been down this road with Jones so many times before. Quite simply, where does the UFC light heavyweight champion go from here?
  • Suppose Jones gets stripped for the title (it’s happened twice before), or he decides to pull away from the sport so he can get things in order. Then what? You’ve got guys like [autotag]Dominick Reyes[/autotag], [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag], and [autotag]Thiago Santos[/autotag] all staking a claim to the next title shot. What would be the fights to make if Jones parted ways with the title?
  • UFC president Dana White continues to be determined to make UFC 249 happen April 18, even with no location set as of this post, but the latest major wrench is that lightweight champ [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag], who is supposed to finally fight Tony Ferguson after four failed attempts, could be stuck in Russia because of a coronavirus travel ban, prompting the promotion to possibly move on without him. WHAT!? So now the UFC is scrambling to find options for [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag], with [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] and maybe even [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] among them. You’ve also got welterweight champ [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] and [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] beefing and talking about stepping in as a last-minute headliner. All of this is nuts. What is even going on anymore?
  • With all the talk of MMA promotion’s canceling events left and right amid the global coronavirus pandemic, Submission Underground 12 took place this past Saturday with extreme measures in place. Could MMA take a page out of the grappling promotion to keep events moving along?
  • Speaking of the COVID-19 pandemic, what is the biggest positive we’ve taken so far from these unprecedented circumstances in our lives?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 22 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.

Dustin Poirier volunteers to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 249: ‘I’ll take it’

Former UFC lightweight title challenger Dustin Poirier has thrown his name into the hat as a potential replacement opponent for Tony Ferguson.

If Khabib Nurmagomedov is out, the UFC won’t have to look hard for a replacement.

Former UFC lightweight title challenger [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] has thrown his name into the hat as a potential replacement opponent for [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] should UFC lightweight champ Nurmagomedov be unable to compete at UFC 249 on April 18 – provided the event still happens.

Poirier (25-6 MMA, 17-5 UFC) made his intentions clear Monday on Twitter, which he expanded on in a text exchange with MMA Junkie. While the circumstances aren’t ideal, Poirier admitted, he’s already volunteered his services to the UFC brass.

“Not an ideal time frame or preparation, but any chance I get to prove that I’m the best, I’ll take it,” Poirier told MMA Junkie. “I texted Dana and Sean that I would fight Tony.”

Poirier’s offering stems from Monday’s news of a potential UFC 249 main event fallout. In an Instagram Live video, Nurmagomedov said he may not be able to headline the April 18 card against Ferguson because he is stuck in Russia.

“So now I am hearing that they are looking to organize it with or without me. OK, go ahead,” Nurmagomedov said. “Everyone should follow the laws. I am not against it.

The country currently has a travel lockdown, which would restrict Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) from flying out of Russia to the United States, or presumably anywhere else outside the country.

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UFC 249 was originally scheduled to take place in Brooklyn, N.Y. However, the card was moved after New York state officials implemented restrictions on large gatherings.

UFC president Dana White has promised the April 18 card will happen, but has been reluctant to release any information as to a potential location or venue.

At the moment, Poirier is penciled in to fight Dan Hooker in the UFC on ESPN+ 33 main event May 16 in San Diego.

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The 10 winningest fighters in UFC history

MMA Junkie takes a look at the 10 fighters with the most wins in UFC history.

With UFC on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, MMA Junkie takes a look at the 10 winningest fighters in the history of the organization. Of note, all fighters included in this column fight at light heavyweight or below and have promotional debuts ranging from September 1999 to February 2011.

* * * *

10. Stuck on 17

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Six fighters are tied at the 17-win mark inside the octagon: Former heavyweight champ [autotag]Andrei Arlovski[/autotag], former lightweight champ [autotag]Frankie Edgar[/autotag], former featherweight champ [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag], former interim lightweight champ [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag], former middleweight champ [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag] and lightweight contender [autotag]Charles Oliveira[/autotag].

9. [autotag]Rafael dos Anjos[/autotag]

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Age: 35

Debut: UFC 91 on Nov. 15, 2008

Number of fights: 29

Number of wins: 18

Dos Anjos was in the UFC nearly seven years before he finally captured the lightweight title. Since losing the belt, he’s spent his years in the welterweight division, adding more to his win total. He’s had some tough results of late but is still exclusively fighting top-tier competition.

8. [autotag]Matt Hughes[/autotag]

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Age: 46

Debut: UFC 22 on Sept. 24, 1999

Number of fights: 25

Number of wins: 18

Once considered the greatest welterweight in MMA history, Hughes debuted in the UFC nearly six years before anyone else on the list. The former welterweight champ still holds a top-10 spot, though, due to his dominant run in the 170-pound division though the mid-2000s.

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Colby Covington apologizes to Dustin Poirier: ‘He’s a friend now, we have no personal beef anymore’

“He’s a teammate, he’s a friend now, we have no personal beef anymore.”

[autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] broke a promise to keep things civil with his teammate, and now he regrets it.

It’s no secret how his fellow teammates at American Top Team feel about him, but there’s one fighter in particular that Covington regrets talking trash about.

His beef with [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] stemmed from last September, when Covington picked Khabib Nurmagomedov over him in their UFC lightweight title fight at UFC 242, which Poirier didn’t take too well.

Following his loss to Nurmagomedov, Poirier was asked if he’d ever fight his teammate Jorge Masvidal, and he responded by taking a jab at Covington, saying that he wouldn’t be a sellout like him.

That resulted in some back-and-forth between the two, with Poirier even warning Covington, that it could get ugly if the two crossed paths at the gym.

In an interview with ESPN Monday night, Covington said things are now civil between him and Poirier at the gym, but it likely wouldn’t be if they were in the streets, because Poirier would just run.

But looking back, Covington regrets what he said, issuing an apology to Poirier.

“I want to make a little apology; I got out of line yesterday,” Covington told MMA Junkie. “I can be a bigger man and admit when I’m wrong, and I broke a promise of Dan Lambert, and I feel extremely ashamed of myself doing that. I thought that – you know I was caught in the moment, and I got caught off guard with a question yesterday when asked about Dustin Poirier, and I kind of regret it. I wish I didn’t go so hard on him.

“He’s a teammate, he’s a friend now, we have no personal beef anymore. It’s just business, and everything needs to keep calm and good at American Top Team, and I don’t want anymore issues with that. I just want to move on. He’s a different weight class, and I’m going to focus on what’s important and what’s ahead of me and that’s either ‘Marty Fakenewsman,’ ‘Journeyman’ Jorge Masvidal or ‘Tyquil’ Woodley.”

In addition to the apology, it appears Covington smoothed things over directly with “The Diamond,” as well, with “Chaos” posting a picture with Poirier and also issuing an apology on Instagram.

Covington may still have his issues with other teammates like Masvidal and Joanna Jedrzejczyk, but he assures that everything is under control, thanks to American Top Team owner and his manager, Dan Lambert.

“Dan Lambert does a great job of keeping the gym divided and making sure everybody, when they go there, it’s just business,” Covington said. “Keep the arguments to the side, keep your business to the side, but when we come to the gym, we’re a family, we’re a team, and we need to work together, and we need to work together in peace.

“It’s a big enough gym where we can have people who don’t like each other or have their feelings hurt about other pro fighters, but it’s OK. You can still go about your business and working for what you want in you career, so everything’s pretty smooth and good over there right now.”

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MMA Junkie Radio #3032: UFC 248 preview with Nolan King and Danny Segura

MMA Junkie Radio hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” are joined by MMA Junkie’s Nolan King and Danny Segura to preview UFC 248 in Las Vegas.

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Thursday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here!

On Episode No. 3,032 of the podcast, the guys are joined by MMA Junkie reporters Nolan King and Danny Segura, who are in Las Vegas to cover UFC 248. They react to the latest MMA news and notes, as well as preview the two huge title fights taking place this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

THE RUNDOWN

  • [autotag]Marlon Moraes[/autotag] and [autotag]Petr Yan[/autotag] are set to headline the UFC’s debut event in Kazakhstan, which is a pivotal fight to the bantamweight title picture. With champ Henry Cejudo defending his title against Jose Aldo at UFC 250, that leaves Aljamain Sterling as the odd man out. Was Moraes-Yan the right fight to make, and is all of this fair?
  • [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Dan Hooker[/autotag] is in the works to headline UFC San Diego in May. The guys react to that matchup and wonder if that could mean we’re moving toward [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag].
  • Two titles are on the line at UFC 248, with [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] defending is middleweight belt vs. [autotag]Yoel Romero[/autotag], while [autotag]Weili Zhang[/autotag] will make her first strawweight title defense against ex-champ [autotag]Joanna Jedrzejczyk[/autotag]. We preview these two huge main events.
  • [autotag]Josh Barnett[/autotag]’s Bellator debut is on hold once again as he’s out of next week’s Bellator 241 show after failing a “medical requirement.” Matt Mitrione will step in to fight Ronny Markes. We offer some thoughts on this situation.

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at OmnyStudio, or check it out above. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.

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