Dustin Poirier is reacting after Benoit Saint-Denis blamed his UFC 299 performance on a staph infection.
UFC 299 took place on Saturday, March 9th, with the co-main event pitting Dustin Poirier (30-8 MMA) against Benoit Saint-Denis (13-2 MMA) in a lightweight bout. The result was a KO victory for “The Diamond.”
This is the 30th win of his professional MMA career.
Following his loss, “God of War” revealed that he was suffering from a staph infection in the lead-up to his fight with Dustin Poirier.
Saint-Denis said on “The MMA Hour.”
“I've been tired all week with a staph infection. Maybe it's my fault too. I'm starting to get a little too heavy. With the treatment I received, I didn't lose weight that much (easily), and I didn't even lose weight. I had to lose two more kilograms, but it was too difficult. I paid the next day. I had no reflexes. I was not feeling well.”
In an interview with Mackenzie Salmon of USA Today Sports, Dustin Poirier responded to the Frenchman's claims:
“They say things like, ‘I had an infection, I was fighting something.’ They say things like that when they win, but they don't say things like that when they lose.”
Continuing, the 35-year-old said:
“I've battled all sorts of illnesses many times, including staph infections, broken legs, torn biceps, and staph infections in my ears. It's a fight. I'm above you. Everyone has their own reasons for fighting, but when you lose, you can't say things like that. You have to shut it up.”
Poirier's next opponent has not yet been determined, but he is looking to become the next title challenger against current undisputed UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA).
What do you think about Dustin Poirier's comments regarding Benoit Saint-Denis' claims that he will not be able to participate in UFC 299 due to a staph infection?
Please share your thoughts in the comments section. PENN Nation!
