Dustin Poirier reacts after Megan Olivi picks 'The Diamond' vs. Benoit Saint Denis as the best fight of 2024 so far
Dustin Poirier defeated Benoit Saint Denis via second-round knockout in the co-main event of UFC 299, earning himself a title opportunity. Megan Olivi revealed that the bout would be her choice for the best fight in the first half of 2024.
Speaking to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, the UFC broadcast mainstay stated:
"Once again, I couldn't decide, but I'm going to say if I had to pick one - I hope I don't get a lot of backlash for this - but I love Dustin Poirier versus Benoit Saint Denis. I thought that first round was so intriguing and we all knew that this was a huge test for Dustin Poirier. Benoit Saint Denis, an incredibly talented, incredibly tough up and comer and he was putting it on Dustin, right? He had no fear in there, special forces."
Olivi continued:
"We heard about the staph infection so no one was quite sure how healthy he was coming into that one. But Dustin Poirier was Dustin Poirier in there when push came to shove. He showed why he is your favorite fighter's favorite fighter. He never doubted himself. He didn't give up. He continued to push forward. He was okay being the nail at sometimes and, okay, finally becoming the hammer in that fight so that was my favorite."
Check out Megan Olivi's comments below:
Bohn noted that his choice for the best fight of the first half of the year would also involve Poirier. However, it would be for his UFC 302 title bout against Islam Makhachev. 'The Diamond' lost the bout via fifth-round submission. However, he earned plenty of praise for his performance.
Check out Dustin Poirier's response to the conversation below:
Jon Anik wants to see Dustin Poirier face Nate Diaz
Dustin Poirier hinted at retirement before his clash with Islam Makhachev last month. While he has not made an official decision, it appears that 'The Diamond' will likely continue fighting. Jon Anik recently revealed that he wants to see him face Nate Diaz.
Speaking on the Anik & Florian Podcast, the UFC commentator stated:
"Dustin has intimated that he wants to fight one more time and on the very short list of opponents that actually make some fiscal and competitive sense is Nate Diaz so we'll see if that is something that actually materializes."
Check out Jon Anik's comments below:
Poirier and Diaz were scheduled to fight at UFC 230 in 2018. The bout was scrapped, however, as 'The Diamond' was forced to withdraw with a hip injury. While the latter is no longer with the UFC, he has expressed that he would be willing to return for the right opponent.