“A pistol” – When Dustin Poirier revealed what could have helped him stop Khabib Nurmagomedov in close title fight
Throwback to Dustin Poirier's reaction to his championship defeat against Khabib Nurmagomedov back in 2019.

UFC 242 ceremonial weigh-ins (Image Courtesy - MMA Fighting/ UFC)
Dustin Poirier is one of those fighters in the UFC who doesn’t need a championship belt to define his legacy. Having defeated the who’s who of the UFC lightweight division, Poirier somehow never peaked in his championship fights.
Dustin Poirier (29-7-0) currently competes in the lightweight division of the UFC wherein he stands as the #2 ranked lightweight. Poirier has notable wins over Conor McGregor (x2), Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, and Eddie Alvarez in his most recent lightweight bouts.
However, when it comes to his two title opportunities, the fighter fell short twice. First, against the former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019 and the second, against Charles Oliveira in 2021. In reply to a question put forth by a fan, Dustin hilariously replied about what he needed in his fight arsenal to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“If you had something differently in that Khabib fight, what would it be?” a fan asked. “A pistol,” Dustin replied. Poirier is coming off a submission victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 281 after three rounds of fireworks. Since his defeat at UFC 269, Poirier has been confused about whether he would compete for the championship or take money fights.
When Dustin Poirier regretted not capitalizing on a guillotine hold over Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242

After his win over Conor McGregor at UFC 257 in 2021, Dustin Poirier went over to the Joe Rogan Experience to talk about his MMA career and new ventures. The fighter spoke about his impressive striking prowess and how he developed sheer toughness in the face of adversity.
Despite his many achievements and underdog stories in the UFC, Dustin Poirier has not been able to fulfill his dream to become the UFC lightweight champion. Poirier and Joe looked back at Khabib’s submission win over Poirier at UFC 242.
“Nothing overwhelming or surprising. It’s just his understanding of balance and weight placement was incredible. He just knew where he had to place himself over me to stay on top and use trips to hold me down. He’s good, so good,” Poirier explained what it was like to fight Khabib.
Dustin Poirier had gripped Khabib Nurmagomedov in a tight guillotine choke in his UFC 242 fight. However, Khabib’s incredible grappling prowess helped him get out of Dustin’s choke. In fact, Dustin’s guillotine submission attempt is what created space for the Dagestani champ to take Poirier’s back. Soon after, submitting Poirier via rear naked choke.
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