Dustin Poirier epitomizes everything fans want in a fighter: a willingness to face anyone, anytime and anywhere. An openness to take a punch in order to throw a punch. The skill set to knock out an opponent standing up or choke someone out on the ground. It’s been 15 years since his professional debut, the first of 39 matches that have mostly been exciting bouts. There was his Fight of the Year with Justin Gaethje in 2018. His incredible decision win against Max Holloway in 2019.
“I’m giving away pieces of myself every time I step in there. No matter how much fun I’m having, I have to be a realist: I’m a dad and a father and a business owner. I have a lot of hats that I wear. I need all my faculties to be there and continue to go through life as I get older.” Poirier has made millions of dollars as a mixed martial artist. He owns both a hot sauce and a bourbon company and runs The Good Fight Foundation, which benefits underserved communities in his hometown.