DUSTIN POIRIER admitted the end could be near as he struggled to contain his emotions following his latest title heartbreak.
The beloved fan favorite looked set to become undisputed lightweight champion for the third time on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey.
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Poirier, 35, had a huge mountain to climb as dominant champion and current pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev.
And the third period was not the charm for the veteran, who suffered a submission defeat in the fifth round with a choke from D’Arce.
Poirier will have to face a series of rising lightweight assassins to get back into title contention.
But the former interim titleholder hinted that there may no longer be marks on his tires.
He said ESPN: “After [Justin] The Gaethje fight was a big test for me and my personal growth. Practicing my mindfulness and practicing gratitude.
“Because I said it yesterday or the other day with you, without gratitude nothing is enough.
“My cup is full, my family is well. healththey have theirs.
“I’m chasing dreams and living the life I could only have imagined when I was a kid, just chasing my dreams.
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“I fell short and it hurts a lot.
“Because, like I said, I know I won’t get another chance. I probably won’t get another chance to be undisputed world champion.
“And that meant a lot to me. Even in the fight, the number 1 guy pound for pound, current champion with a streak of 13 consecutive wins.
“I felt like every time I got off the stool I was going to win.
“I felt like every time I got off the stool I was going to find a way to win. That’s fighting, that’s fighting.”
At the post-fight press conference, an emotional Poirier added: “I was fighting to be world champion.
“What else am I fighting for? Just for the thrill? Because I’m addicted to it, no doubt. But for money?
“My family and I are fine. I don’t need money. Money is great, but my health comes first.
“Why am I fighting? To be champion again?
“Will I ever get that chance, even if there is a sequel? I don’t know.
“It’s such a difficult mountain to climb and I’ve climbed it so many times.”
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Makhachev has already equaled the lightweight title defense record set by his mentor and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov.
He said: “I think Dustin had a great camp, his coaches worked really well and he prepared really well.
“He defended my takedowns and gave me a lot of difficulty. He is a champion and a legend of the sport. Thanks, Dustin.”
Poirier may be considering retirement, but UFC CEO and president Dana White insists he will always have a place in the promotion.
He said, “It’s up to him [if he wants to retire]. It’s not up to me. He knows what he wants and what he doesn’t want.
“He knows how he felt and how he feels now.
“Listen, he’s a star. He can stay here as long as he wants.”
Elsewhere on the card, former middleweight champion Sean Strickland returned to winning ways with a split decision victory over Paulo Costa.
And Kevin Netherlands scored a sick armbar victory over Michal Oleksiejczuk in his return to the 185-pound division.
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UFC 302 results
Main card
- Islam Makhachev defeated. Dustin Poirier via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 5, 2:42
- Sean Strickland defeated. Paulo Costa by split decision (46-49, 50-45, 49-46)
- Kevin Holland defeated. Michal Oleksiejczuk via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 1:34
- Niko Price defeated. Alex Morono by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Randy Brown defeated. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos unanimously (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary
- Roma Kopylov defeated. César Almeida by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
- Jailton Almeida won. Alexander Romanov via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 2:27
- Grant Dawson defeated. Joe Solecki by unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, 30–27)
- Jake Matthews defeated. Phillip Rowe by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 30–27)
- Bassil Hafez defeated. Mickey Gall by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)
- Ailin Perez defeated. Joselyne Edwards via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, 29–28)
- André Lima defeated. Mitch Raposo via split decision (30–27, 28–29, 30–27)
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