Dustin Poirier has yet to decide if he will fight again, but he plans to take some time off regardless of potential retirement.
On Wednesday, the former interim lightweight champion opened up about the numerous injuries he sustained during last weekend's fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Despite a valiant effort from Poirier, he ultimately fell short as Makhachev scored a bout-ending submission in the fifth and final round.
“My nose is badly broken, my ribs are broken and my ACL is partially torn,” Poirier revealed on social media platform X. “I'm fighting for life.”
His nose is badly broken, his ribs are broken and his anterior cruciate ligament is partially torn.
Fighting life⚔️
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) June 5, 2024
Immediately after the fight, Poirier said his nose was “shattered,” an injury he'd experienced in his career, and also said he'd suffered some sort of knee injury after blocking a Makhachev takedown attempt in the third round by pressing himself against the cage.
Poirier's longtime friend and coach, Eve Edwards, said Monday that the Louisiana native suffered a rib injury ahead of the fight and was barely able to do any wrestling grappling in the final weeks of training camp.
Poirier has been evaluated to determine the extent of his injury, but sources told MMA Fighting on Wednesday he plans to seek a second opinion to determine if surgery is necessary to repair the damage to his knee.
While a complete tear of the ACL doesn't necessarily require surgery, it's likely to be necessary for most athletes. With a partial tear, Poirier is hopeful that rather than undergoing surgery, he can rest, recover and eventually undergo physical therapy to treat the injury.
The treatment plan has not yet been finalized.
Poirier was suspended indefinitely by the New Jersey Athletic Control Board after the fight due to the severity of his nose and knee injuries. As a result, Poirier must get clearance from an ear, nose and throat specialist and an orthopedic surgeon for his left knee.
The 35-year-old veteran hasn't said yet whether it will be a big deal or not. Last Saturday, he lost his bout against Makhachev, and said that while this may be his last fight, he's not ready to make that decision yet.
For now, Poirier will need to take some enforced time off to recover from the numerous injuries he sustained in the fight against Makhachev and then give serious thought to when he can compete again.
