Dustin Poirier Reveals His Struggles With Mental Health Ahead Of Lightweight Title Fight At UFC 302

Set to make his thirtieth stroll to the Octagon on June 1, few fighters boast the form of resume that Dustin Poirier has amassed after greater than 20 years within the sport.

He’ll try and “end his story” when he headlines UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey as he steps into the principle occasion highlight for a lightweight world title clash with reigning and defending champion Islam Makhachev.

Win or lose, this might very properly be Poirier’s final stand after spending years sacrificing not simply his physique, however his thoughts.

Throughout an look on The Fight Bananas Show, ‘The Diamond’ shared some perception into the psychological challenges he’s confronted since his brutal second-round knockout by the hands of Justin Gaethje final 12 months.

“Initially, head trauma is just not good for you – that’s a giant a part of it,” stated the fan-favorite light-weight, explaining how persons are fast to neglect about career-defining achievements when you endure a defeat within the UFC Octagon.

“I’ve given this sport a lot, not solely bodily however with my time and focus. Being a fighter, it’s important to concentrate on you [but] I wish to be with my household, concentrate on my daughter, my spouse, my basis, my companies… Quite a lot of stuff will get placed on maintain to chase desires.”

“Placing a lot right into a outcome or final result after which your life’s form of revolving round that night time – it looks like every part you’ve executed in your entire profession; folks take a look at you on that single night time efficiency and neglect about every part else, all of the mountains you’ve already climbed” (h/t Bloody Elbow).

Dustin Poirier is mentally ready for no matter occurs at UFC 303

Poirier went on so as to add that whereas blended martial arts is an undeniably bodily sport, there’s a sturdy psychological well being facet of it that always will get missed by followers and pundits.

“We focus a lot on the bodily a part of this [sport] however combating is so psychological [and] combating is only a portion of our life — we have now an entire different life after combating and out of doors of combating. I used to be simply down on myself, however specializing in my mindset, speaking to folks, having my spouse by my aspect, having good mates again residence, I went to counseling weekly.”

Already feeling like a a lot totally different particular person following his sequel scrap with Gaethje, Poirier hopes that he can implement among the classes he’s discovered when he steps into the cage with the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ subsequent month.

“Even coming into this combat right here on June 1, I’m making an attempt to not put a lot — after all, I wish to be world champion, however nothing is assured…I do really feel truthfully that I’m going to be world champion in a month [and] phrases change into issues. However I’ve to be content material with no matter occurs as a result of that’s simply how life goes.”