Does Dustin Poirier have a black belt in jiu-jitsu?
Dustin Poirier is considered to be one of the best strikers in the UFC. The current lightweight number one contender has outclassed some of the best on the feet, including the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway.
While 'The Diamond' is widely known for his striking prowess, his grappling isn’t something to devalue. Barring the exception of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, none of Poirier's opponents have been able to have their way with him on the ground. His grappling skillset comes from a solid background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Does Dustin Poirier have a black belt in Jiu-jitsu?
The Louisiana native holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It was presented to him by former UFC middleweight Tim Credeur.
In 2017, Poirier announced that he was awarded the prestigious black belt after training in the art for nearly 11 years. In a post on Twitter, 'The Diamond' wrote:
"I've been doing Jiujitsu for close to 11 years now. Today I received my black belt! Thanks to everyone who has been part of my journey!!"
I've been doing Jiujitsu for close to 11 years now. Today I received my black belt! Thanks to everyone who has been part of my journey!! https://t.co/Xz2LeYsnqU
Dustin Poirier could be the next challenger to Islam Makhachev's lightweight title
After suffering a devastating head-kick knockout loss against Justin Gaethje in the UFC 291 rematch, Dustin Poirier found himself in a weird spot from a professional standpoint. He has fallen short in his two previous title fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira and the loss to Gaethje made the third crack at the undisputed title less likely.
However, 'The Diamond' bounced back with a knockout win over rising contender Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 and called out reigning 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev for a fight.
Makhachev, who maintains that Poirier does not deserve a shot at the title off a single win, said that he still wants to fight the Lousiana native to stay active. In a recent appearance on Theo Von's This Past Weekend podcast, Poirier said:
"No [the UFC hasn't offered a fight against Islam Makhachev]. I don't know what's next but I think we're gonna hear soon. Yeah, I know [we will hear news]... Breaking news."
Catch Dustin Poirier's comments below:
Former title holder Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan will collide in a lightweight title eliminator fight at UFC 300 this weekend. The winner of the ceremonial BMF title fight between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway will also be a solid candidate for the next crack at the title. It will be interesting to see how the title picture plays out.