MIAMI – Dana White had high praise for Dustin Poirier after UFC 299.
Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) takes on lightweight title contender Benoit Saint-Denis (13-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) in Saturday’s co-main event at Caseya Center. ) was KOed.
Many were surprised to see former interim champion Poirier accept a fight with lower-ranked Saint-Denis, but that’s probably why Whyte respects “The Diamond” even more.
“Tonight’s fight with Benoit, I mean, when the talk first started, everyone was like, ‘Oh, this is a terrible match for Poirier,'” White said in the UFC 299 post-fight press conference. Ta. “Then Poirier comes out and says, ‘You know what, I didn’t sign it,’ or something like that. This is the shit that makes you a fucking legend. These are legendary fights – savage and into this fight. When you’re faced with such a savage that people think you can’t win or you can’t win this fight, and you go into the fight and do it in spectacular fashion, what he did tonight .
“A lot of these fighters have heard it many times in the past, ‘They want me to lose,’ or ‘They’re trying to make me lose.’ , I heard something outrageous from someone, and I won’t mention it, but it’s not up to us to decide if you lost or won, it’s up to you. What we’re trying to do. It’s all about having the best matchmaking fights possible. That’s why the UFC has big stars and legendary fights every weekend. …His stock shoots through the roof once again. ”
With this win, Poirier may have positioned himself for another title shot. Ali Abdelaziz, manager of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, told Poirier before the fight that he could be next if he wins, and that both Makhachev and Poirier could be involved.
Will there be a UFC lightweight title fight in June? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ms9bHMQu6u
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 11, 2024
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