Adding another layer to Dustin Poirier's well-established status as a seasoned and battle-hardened legend, his knockout of the formidable contender Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 in Miami on Saturday further solidified his reputation as an enduring force in the sport.

The 35-year-old Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion and prospective Hall of Famer, transitioned from being stalked and consistently bullied by his younger opponent to bravely reversing the situation in the co-main event. Poirier (30-8, 1 NC) mounted a comeback through accurate counterpunching with his back against the cage, unsettling Saint Denis (13-2, 1 NC) before concluding with a ferocious right hook and a brutal subsequent assault on the ground, causing him to lose consciousness.

"I was getting beat up a little bit and getting rolled out by this guy," Poirier said. "I got him at the end. I touched him a couple times at the beginning but he was pretty strong."

Saint Denis, previously affiliated with the French Army Special Forces Command, boasted an impressive five-fight win streak, securing victories in all through finishes. In their action-packed clash, he dictated the pace against Poirier with unrelenting pressure, physicality, body kicks, and a flurry of combination punches.

Following a Round 1 conclusion marked by a compelling armbar attempt, the 27-year-old Saint Denis transitioned into a full mount early in Round 2, effectively flattening Poirier and posing choke threats until the tide dramatically turned in Poirier's favor.

"This is the shit that make you a f---ing legend," UFC CEO Dana White said. "These are legendary fights when you go in and you face a guy who is a savage, and it looks like you can't win this fight or people think you can't win this fight and then you do it, in spectacular fashion in the way he did tonight. We don't determine whether you lose or whether you win, you do. What we try to do is put on the best match-made fight that we can possibly do, and that's why big stars are built in the UFC and legendary fights happen every weekend."

"I'm just a man. I've got a lot of respect for Benoit Saint Denis and his grit." 

Poirier embraced a gamble by accepting the fight, opting not to depend solely on his well-known fighting reputation in the hopes of earning another opportunity at the elusive UFC undisputed title. After the win, he expressed that he couldn't have envisioned taking a different approach.

The reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, kept a close watch on the bout, potentially scouting for his next potential challenger.

On social media platform X, Islam Makhachev commended Dustin with a remark, saying, "Well done, Dustin! ???"

The two clearest contenders, Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira are already locked into fights, possibly leaving the door ajar.

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