In the sweltering heat of Miami's Kaseya Center, UFC 299 served up a sizzling co-main event that had fight fans on the edge of their seats. The clash between seasoned veteran Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier and the rising force of Benoit Saint-Denis was a testament to the unpredictable and explosive nature of MMA.
The first round was a maelstrom of pressure and aggression from Saint-Denis. The young Frenchman's game plan was clear, overwhelm Poirier with relentless forward movement, stinging body kicks, and takedown attempts. Poirier, renowned for his composure under fire, absorbed the early onslaught like a weathered ship in a storm. Saint-Denis' dominance seemed to be growing, but even in the face of takedown threats and brutal kneecaps to his thighs, Poirier's experience shone through, fending off the ground game and keeping danger at bay.
As the opening round drew to a close, the pace began to tell. Saint-Denis, while clearly ahead on work rate, showed the first signs of fatigue. Poirier, the ultimate opportunist, sensed the tide turning. The second round saw a shift in momentum. “The Diamond” turned up the heat, finding his rhythm with his crisp boxing and forcing Saint-Denis back towards the fence.
The knockout blow came with startling suddenness. As Saint-Denis momentarily dropped his guard, a devastating uppercut from Poirier crashed through his defenses. The Frenchman crumpled, giving Poirier the opening he needed. A furious flurry of punches, including a thunderous right hook, sealed the deal. It was vintage Poirier, patient, precise, and utterly devastating.
Dustin Poirier knocks out Benoit Saint-Denis!! pic.twitter.com/xs9NGSmtwR
— AJ (@PrestigePrince9) March 10, 2024
The MMA world erupted. Poirier, written off by some as past his prime, had silenced his critics in the most emphatic way possible. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement of intent, a reminder that Dustin Poirier is still a force to be reckoned with in the shark-infested waters of the lightweight division.
Saint-Denis, despite the loss, leaves UFC 299 with his reputation enhanced. His heart and relentless aggression impressed fans and pundits alike. While this night belonged to the veteran, the future of this young lion remains bright. After this vintage performance by Dustin Poirier, we take a look at what could be next for “The Diamond”.
Max Holloway/Justin Gaethje
With another blistering performance etched into his legacy, the question for Dustin Poirier now isn't just who to fight next, but who can pose the most intriguing challenge? The answer lies with the winner of the upcoming BMF showdown between Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje.
Poirier's storied history with both men guarantees fireworks. A rematch with “Blessed” Holloway, the razor-sharp technician, carries the potential to be an all-out striking war and a chance for Poirier to build on his UFC 236 victory. It's a fight dripping with narrative and guaranteed to set the lightweight division alight.
On the other hand, should Justin Gaethje, the human embodiment of chaos, emerge victorious at UFC 300, Poirier has unfinished business to settle. Their brawl at UFC 291 left Poirier with a TKO loss, a burning desire for revenge, and plenty of respect for Gaethje's relentless aggression. Imagine the rematch, Poirier's precision and power against Gaethje's relentless leg kicks and ferocious aggression, it's a fight that makes your heart race just thinking about it.
Poirier is at a stage in his career where every move is a strategic gamble. Fighting the winner of Holloway vs. Gaethje is not just about redemption or revenge, it's about proving his continued dominance in the lightweight division and cementing his legacy. Either fight would be a PPV blockbuster, a guaranteed slugfest, and a thrilling test for “The Diamond” as he continues his quest for undisputed UFC gold.
Beneil Dariush
The lightweight division is a shark tank teeming with hungry contenders, but if Dustin Poirier is seeking a true test of his skills and a potential pathway toward title contention, then Beneil Dariush is the fight to make.
Dariush, riding a scorching win streak, presents a unique set of challenges for “The Diamond”. His Assyrian grappling pedigree is a force to be reckoned with, posing a constant threat of takedowns and submission attempts. This grappling prowess would force Poirier to operate outside of his comfort zone, showcasing his takedown defense and perhaps even his underutilized offensive wrestling, an exciting prospect for fans.
Furthermore, Dariush is no stranger to stand-up battles. His striking, while unorthodox, has grown increasingly dangerous. He throws with volume and unpredictable angles, a perfect litmus test for Poirier's sharp boxing and legendary power. This isn't simply a grappler vs. striker dynamic, it's a clash of styles that promises explosive, high-level mixed martial arts.
Stylistic intrigue aside, a victory over Dariush would reaffirm Poirier's position as a top-tier contender in the stacked lightweight division. Dariush is the dark horse threatening to disrupt the title picture, and taking him out would send a loud and clear message to the rest of the division.
For Poirier, the Dariush fight offers the kind of multifaceted challenge that elite fighters crave. It's his chance to prove he can handle anything the division throws his way, and potentially pave the road for another shot at the undisputed UFC lightweight championship.
Rafael Fiziev
The buzz around Rafael Fiziev is reaching a fever pitch, and rightfully so. His unorthodox striking style and highlight-reel knockouts have propelled him up the lightweight rankings. For Dustin Poirier, the Louisiana legend looking to breathe new life into his career, a clash with Fiziev is exactly the kind of explosive matchup he needs to reignite the fire.
Fiziev is a walking Muay Thai encyclopedia. His blistering kicks, unpredictable knees, and spinning attacks are not just devastating, they're downright mesmerizing. Against Poirier, we would see a clash between a technical striking savant in Fiziev and one of the most powerful boxers in the division in Poirier. It's a striker's dream matchup and a guaranteed ‘Fight of the Night' contender.
Beyond the spectacle, this fight serves a larger purpose for Poirier. Fiziev is a surging contender, the name on the lips of every MMA fan. A decisive win for “The Diamond” would derail Fiziev's hype train and propel Poirier back into the top contender conversation within the lightweight ranks.
Poirier has never shied away from a challenge, he's battled the division's very best. Fighting Fiziev wouldn't just be about a win, it would be a statement that Poirier is still a dangerous force. It's a risky, high-reward fight, the kind that separates the contenders from the true elite, and with the winner potentially securing a title shot, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Follow Us
Subscribe