Dustin Poirier revealed that fighting in the UFC 299 instead of the historic UFC 300 makes more sense in his case. And while he did not get all his expectations in his next match, the fighter shared that having the bout in five rounds was actually one of his demands the promotion complied with.

Days ago, Poirier announced on X that his fight against Benoit Saint-Denis would no longer happen. However, moments later, “The Diamond” retracted his statement, saying it was just a matter of “misunderstanding.” Now, in a recent interview with The MMA Hour, the fighter shared more details about it, saying “not everybody was on the same page.”

Thankfully, the fight is now official, albeit it will be at UFC 299 instead of the monumental UFC 300 event. Poirier, nonetheless, is satisfied to be a part of the lineup, saying the UFC 299 event is actually giving him more favor in terms of location.

“I was talking with [UFC Executive] Hunter [Campbell], and we were like, maybe the opening of the [UFC 300] pay-per-view, maybe the second fight of the pay-per-view,” Poirier shared in the interview. “And then [UFC 299] we started talking about, and to be the co-main event, [and] I’m like, that’s a much bigger slot. It’s close to my training camp, it’s close to home. … So just I wanted to be part of 300, but this just made more sense, I think.”

As for his opponent, the former interim lightweight champ said that Saint-Denis was not actually someone he was targeting, as he was expecting bigger names in the UFC roster. Yet, he knows that there is a cycle in the sport and an up-and-coming fighter would soon appear. Poirier came from the same spot and acknowledged being given the shot. Now, it is Saint-Denis’ time.

“In my head, I was kind of like, ‘Maybe a legacy fight. Maybe an RDA. Maybe another former champion. I don’t know, just something,’” Poirier said. “I thought the offer in the UFC would be something more like that. I needed something to get me up in the morning. I respect this sport, and I honor this sport, and I’m 35 years old now. This guy is a young, hungry lion who is on a streak. I think he finished five fights in a row. Somebody gave me my shot to crack in, so I respect the game. That’s what I’m doing. Let’s see if I still (can do it). March 9, buy the pay-per-view, and we’ll see. We’ll find out.”

In the end, while he didn’t get a huge name for his fight, the No. 3 lightweight fighter shared that he managed to push the UFC to give him a five-round battle. According to Poirier, this would determine a fighter’s true capability in the cage.

“I feel like the better fighter, unless something crazy happens early, the better fighter wins over five rounds,” he explained. “Even if he doesn’t fatigue, or even if it’s not deep waters to him, he’s the god of war. That’s what he wants. I feel like the rhythm, timing, my experience, I pick up on that stuff the longer the fight goes, and I’ll find openings.”

Previous articleO’Malley promises ‘masterful, beautiful performance’ in beating Vera at UFC 299
Next articleTopuria reiterates plan to fight McGregor after defeating Volkanovski