Why does Dustin Poirier fight southpaw? A look into ‘The Diamond’s’ stance

Despite not being an undisputed champion with multiple title defenses, Dustin Poirier is widely recognized as one of the top lightweights in the UFC. His impressive achievements in the division, as well as in MMA as a whole, are a testament to his exceptional striking abilities.

Starting out, he was primarily restricted to taking a defensive stance and waiting for his opponent’s attacks to cease before launching his own. However, ‘The Diamond’ has evolved into a skilled counterpuncher, with his southpaw position being a key contributor to his success.

Diving into Dustin Poirier’s southpaw striking technique

Despite his impressive record of knockouts in UFC lightweight history, Dustin Poirier’s success can be attributed to his aggressive fighting style. This style has led him to victories such as an interim lightweight title win and TKOs against top contenders like Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje, solidifying his position as one of the greatest 155-pound fighters of all time.

The extent of his striking abilities is a result of his progress. Poirier is a southpaw fighter, and his fighting style is characterized by his ease in facing danger. He stays close enough to his opponent to be within striking range, utilizing a Philly Shell technique to block their punches with his shoulders, elbows, and the top of his head.

As he shifts his head away from the centerline, ‘The Diamond’ responds to his opponent’s attacks with well-timed counterpunches, frequently landing his reliable check right hook that recently knocked out Benoît Saint Denis. Nevertheless, the former interim champion’s signature technique remains his fluid combination.

Watch as Dustin Poirier delivers a knockout blow to Benoît Saint Denis.

While fighting in the southpaw stance, Poirier uses a right straight to conceal his rear leg as he transitions back to orthodox. Once in this position, he will throw a jab with his left hand, which could potentially mask an overhand right (as seen in his rematch with Max Holloway), or a right cross as he shifts back into southpaw.

By utilizing these mid-punch stances, ‘The Diamond’ is able to cover a considerable distance, but this technique also leaves him vulnerable defensively. When he transitions into the opposite stance, there is a large opening for his head to be attacked.

Poirier is well aware that his opponents may attempt to counter him by bouncing back and throwing a straight down the middle as he moves in. To keep his opponents off guard, he varies his tactics by occasionally faking his shifting combination.

At the 0:11 mark, watch as Dustin Poirier strategically utilizes a shifting combination to successfully execute a takedown on Conor McGregor.

If an opponent falls for the trap, they will either be brought down by Poirier shooting under a counter when their hips are square, or they will be hit with a check right hook as Poirier quickly abandons the shifting combination at the first opportunity.