Dustin Poirier took an unexpected hit after being knocked out by Justin Gaethje at UFC 291.
The always-entertaining lightweight duo met in an eagerly anticipated rematch for the BMF title in July 2023.
Dustin Poirier stopped ‘The Highlight’ with strikes in the fourth round of their bloody first battle seven years ago – but Justin Gaethje got his revenge when he slept ‘The Diamond’ with a head kick at UFC 291.
Things went from bad to worse as Dustin Poirier lay concussed on the floor at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
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Dustin Poirier hit with The Rock’s signature move after KO
Veteran referee Herb Dean did everything he could to stop Poirier taking any extra shots at UFC 291.
The funny thing is, Dean inadvertently ended up hitting the former interim UFC champion with an extra blow as he fell while rushing in to save him.
Fans were quick to point out that he landed on top of Poirier in a way that reminded them of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his signature WWE finisher.
“He’s actually finished Poirier with the people’s elbow,” one fan joked. While another added: “When Herb Dean tells you from the start to protect urself at all times, he means it….”
“The People’s Elbow,” someone else said.
“Dude dropped the ‘people’s elbow’ on him,” a fourth fan laughed.
“Herb dropping the people’s elbow,” this fan commented.
“Touching tribute from Herb Dean to The Rock w this people’s elbow finisher,” a sixth X user said.
What’s next for Dustin Poirier?
Gaethje lost his BMF title when Max Holloway knocked him out with one second left of their UFC 300 fight last April.
The 36-year-old will return to the Octagon against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Poirier hasn’t fought since getting choked out by lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last June.
The 40-fight veteran flirted with retirement before confirming that he will return for one final UFC bout.
Poirier recently revealed a likely date and the ‘incredible’ location for the last fight of his epic career.
“It’s summer. July or August, probably. We’re working on UFC New Orleans,” Poirier told MMA Fighting.
“I’m trying to retire in my home state. The UFC hasn’t been there since 2015. I fought on the card as well. I fought Yancy Medeiros, but that was the last time I got to fight at home. To retire where it all started in Louisiana would be incredible for me and my career.”
Poirier says there’s still work to be done to book a suitable dance partner after he insisted on facing ‘legends only‘.
He added on his potential opponent: “Not quite yet. Still working on a couple of things.”