Dustin Poirier explains why it is a “perfect” scenario to be the underdog against Benoit Saint-Denis: “This is where I perform the best”

By Susan Cox - February 6, 2024

Dustin Poirier is explaining why it is a ‘perfect’ scenario to be the underdog against Benoit Saint-Denis.

Dustin Poirier

UFC 299 will take place on Saturday, March 9th at the Kaseya Center, in Miami, Florida.

The co-main event will feature Dustin Poirier (29-8 MMA) vs. Benoit Saint-Denis (13-1 MMA) in a lightweight bout.

‘The Diamond’ is looking to get back in the win column after his most recent KO loss to Justin Gaethje (25-4 MMA) in July of last year at UFC 291.

‘God of War’ is on a 5-fight winning streak, his latest KO victory coming against Matt Frevola (11-4 MMA) last November at UFC 295.

It was during a recent appearance on ‘The MMA Hour’ with Ariel Helwani that Dustin Poirier shared his reaction to being the underdog at UFC 299:

“I would bet on myself if I could, but unfortunately I cannot. That’s how I feel about it. I’m not sure (why I’m an underdog). Because I lost my last fight, maybe. I’m 35, he’s 28 and he’s finished five guys in a row. He’s finishing all of his wins in his career. Maybe that’s why, I don’t know.”

Concluding Poirier believes having ‘underdog’ status is the best scenario (h/t MMANews):

“My whole life I’ve been an underdog, Ariel. This is where I perform the best. This is perfect.”

The all-star lineup at UFC 299 will feature Sean O’Malley (17-1 MMA) vs. Marlon Vera (23-8 MMA) in the main event for the bantamweight title. Michael Page (21-2 MMA) will square off against Kevin Holland (25-10 MMA) at welterweight. Another welterweight match-up will see Gilbert Burns (22-6 MMA) take on Jack Della Maddalena (16-2 MMA). Petr Yan (16-5 MMA) will meet Yadong Song (21-7 MMA) in a bantamweight bout. Curtis Blaydes (17-4 MMA) vs. Jailton Almeida (20-2 MMA) will fight at heavyweight.

Are you looking forward to UFC 299? Do you agree that Saint-Denis is the favorite heading into the bout with Poirier? Any prediction?

Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!


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Dustin Poirier UFC UFC 299