‘He Got Criticized a Lot for Taking the Conor McGregor Fight’- Dana White Says Dustin Poirier Changed His Life with His Decisions

UFC President Dana White spoke to ESPN hours away from the start of the final numbered event of the year. UFC 269 sees two compelling title fights on the main card with the lightweight battle between Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier as the headliner. The fight has the makings of an all-time classic and fans are excited to see both men collide.

Chiefly, this is Poirier’s chance to finally get his hands on the undisputed title, a belt that has eluded him in his long career. In fact, he could have fought for the belt earlier in the year, but chose to engage in a money fight trilogy with Conor McGregor. In the end, his gamble paid off, and he now stands a chance at becoming the 2021 Fight of the Year because of the risks he took.

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Dana White lauds Dustin Poirier’s decision making

Many fans slammed Poirier for initially turning down a title fight to face Conor McGregor in a trilogy fight. However, Dana White believes it is amongst the smartest decisions a fighter has made in recent memory. Now that Poirier took the risk, he has the opportunity to see a plentiful return, and it’s all because he backed himself completely.

GLENDALE, AZ – JUNE 12: Dana White meets with the press following UFC 263 on June 12, 2021, at Gila River Arena in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“He couldn’t have played it out better. He got criticized a lot for taking the Conor fight instead of the title fight. He got both of those fights now he’s here fighting for a title. Literally couldn’t have played it any better and a win for him now, and getting this belt literally changes his life.”

What’s more, Poirier is favored to win against Oliveira on all the lines. Fans believe he has what it takes to beat ‘Do Bronx’ so long as he keeps the fight on the feet. The Brazilian champion could immediately secure the upper hand if the fight ends up on the canvas.

UFC 269 is primed to close out the most successful year in company history for the UFC. With a stacked card through and through, fans can expect violence right from the early preliminary card itself.

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