Dustin Poirier, the UFC lightweight superstar, is basking on the sweet victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299- fortifying his place in the cream layer of the promotion. However, the former interim lightweight champion recently shocked the MMA fandom with the revelation that he had gone through a phase of mental health struggles following his loss to Justin Gaethje last year.
The Gaethje loss- the turning point for Dustin Poirier
The fight between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje- the highly anticipated main event of UFC 291, served as a rematch to their UFC on FOX 29 clash of April 2018 which saw Poirier victorious.
Both known for their aggressive styles, the bout promised fireworks. However, things didn’t go as planned for Poirier as Gaethje’s relentless pressure and powerful strikes overwhelmed “The Diamond”, leading to a knockout loss in the second round.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Poirier found himself in a dark place. The loss affected not only his professional career but also his personal life. He struggled with feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. The pressure to perform at the highest level had taken a toll on his mental well-being.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Poirier opened up on the struggles he was enduring after the loss to Gaethje, and also revealed the changes he brought within himself to come out of that place.
“After the Gaethje fight, I went through some real mental struggles, man. I was going through some stuff. That’s really when I started practicing mindfulness, setting my intentions, and just trying to be grateful for every day. Yeah, it is very scary.”
Aside from recognizing the severity of his mental health struggles and deciding to seek professional help, Poirier found his situation similar to Alexander Volkanovski- the former UFC Featherweight champion who had also gone down a similar path of mental struggles following the loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 284, which also motivated him to accept the short-notice rematch with the reigning UFC Lightweight champ at UFC 294. Admiring Volkanovski’s honesty, Poirier began therapy sessions.
“Whenever I saw Volk talking and kind of expressing himself and being honest… we’re going through the same thing. I actually started doing therapy after the fight. I think its important to open up and talk about how you feel,” he added.
Thank you for sharing this with us today, @dustinpoirier.
Wish you didn’t go through this but I know a lot of fighters – and people – will feel comfort in these words.
Much love and respect, DP.
This sport – and world – are better off because you’re in it. ♥️💎 pic.twitter.com/0DJlrtcm5q
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 12, 2024
Dustin Poirier’s journey from defeat to recovery serves as a powerful reminder that mental health matters. His honesty and vulnerability have resonated with fans and fellow fighters alike. As he continues to compete at the highest level, Poirier remains committed to maintaining both his physical and mental well-being.
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