Dustin Poirier reveals he was worried about his “own well being” following KO loss to Justin Gaethje: “I started actually doing therapy after”
Dustin Poirier has revealed that he was concerned for his mental health following his knockout loss to Justin Gaethje.
Last weekend, Dustin Poirier got back in the win column in devastating fashion. He knocked out rising lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis, confirming what many already knew – that he’s still an elite force at 155 pounds.
RELATED: Pros react after Dustin Poirier KO’s Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299
‘The Diamond’ has proven time and time again that he’s a scary individual to deal with, but in his bout prior to this, he came up short in a nasty head kick loss to Justin Gaethje.
Now, in a recent interview, Poirier has revealed that his defeat at the hands of ‘The Highlight’ impacted him more than many of us had realized.
Thank you for sharing this with us today, @dustinpoirier.
Wish you didn’t go through this but I know a lot of fighters – and people – will feel comfort in these words.
Much love and respect, DP.
This sport – and world – are better off because you’re in it. ♥️💎 pic.twitter.com/0DJlrtcm5q
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 12, 2024
Poirier gets real
“I went through some real mental struggles, man. I was going through some stuff. That’s when I really started practicing mindfulness and setting my intentions and just trying to be grateful for every day.”
Dustin was then asked about how bad his situation became.
“Really bad. Really bad. Yeah, worse than that [thinking he won’t fight again], couple times.”
He went on to admit that he was worried for his own well-being.
“I actually started going to therapy after the fight [the Gaethje loss]. I think it’s important to open up and talk about how you feel. We’re in the spotlight, being tough guys all the time, but we’re people, too. That’s the mindset – Dustin the fighter, but what about Dustin? What about me? Life is deep, man. Fighting is just something I do. It’s good to check in on yourself.”
What do you believe should be next for Dustin Poirier in the UFC? Should the promotion be doing more to protect the mental health of their fighters? Let us know, BJPENN Nation!
