Dustin Poirier on Training, UFC Evolution, and Fighting Mindset Before Max Holloway Bout

Fighter's Mindset and Training

• 🧠 Dustin Poirier emphasizes that despite his body hurting more, he still possesses the drive and hunger to "scrap" and remain among the top lightweight fighters.
• 🎯 He attributes his sustained success to motivation and discipline, which have kept him at the top of his game.
• 💡 Poirier notes that he often finds himself in a dog fight even with a clear path to victory, sometimes deviating from the game plan to engage his opponent.

UFC Changes and Athlete Welfare

• ✅ Poirier believes the UFC has improved in terms of fighter pay and the medical care provided to athletes.
• ⚠️ He expresses concern about the negative changes, specifically the rise of clickbait headlines and forced showmanship from fighters, which he finds inauthentic.

Diet, Sobriety, and Future Outlook

• 🌱 Dustin Poirier reveals he has been nearly 100 days completely sober, abstaining from weed and alcohol, and maintaining a strict diet of meat, berries, and avocado.
• 🚀 He humorously discusses his plan to potentially use steroids after USADA is no longer a factor, aiming to get "jacked and tan" for healing properties.
• 🥋 Poirier explains "Thug Jitsu" as an elite class of martial arts requiring at least two or three misdemeanors to join.

The Role of Trauma in Fighting

• 🧘 Poirier acknowledges that meditation and sports psychology have significantly helped him address triggers linked to childhood experiences.
• 💬 He discusses the idea that childhood trauma can be a powerful motivator for some fighters, citing Sean O'Malley's use of anger in the octagon.
• 💡 The fighter also reflects on Deontay Wilder's Ayahuasca journey, which reportedly led to a loss of his violent drive after finding peace, questioning the balance between healing and fighting motivation.

Personal Insights and Quirks

• 👨‍🍳 Poirier reveals his passion for cooking and his ambition to have his own cooking show, thinking about food daily.
• ☠️ He prefers cremation and finds the idea of turning ashes into a diamond appealing.
• ❌ Dustin Poirier firmly states that Power Slap is "ridiculous" when asked for his opinion on the sport.