A Second Chance at Life and Love
The journey to the pinnacle of any sport is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, and mixed martial arts (MMA) is no exception. For Dustin Poirier, a former UFC interim lightweight champion, the road to success was particularly arduous, marked by moments of self-doubt and personal turmoil. However, his life took a significant turn when he met Jolie, his wife. Poirier, known in the MMA world as "The Diamond," credits Jolie with playing an instrumental role in his journey, especially during his time in juvenile detention. "When I was in juvenile detention — and me and her might not have been dating at the time — she was writing me letters every week," Poirier recalled on the podcast "Outta Pocket with RGIII." "Besides my mother, the only letters I was getting were from her. And when I got out, she was there. She drove all the way to watch me leave, and I thought, ‘I’m going to marry this girl.’"
The Bedrock of Support
For Poirier, Jolie’s unwavering support was a beacon of hope during his darkest moments. "For sure, the letters were always there," he elaborated. "She would always reply. I don’t even know how she got the address or how she managed to do all of that, but she did, and she was always there. Her letters provided a sense of normalcy and connection, something he desperately needed. "Honestly, not to sound too cheesy, but I wouldn’t have made it as far if it weren’t for her," Poirier admitted. "I was living with her since I was 18, since I was an amateur fighter. Having a place to call home, someone to cook meals with, and a partner to share simple moments like going to Blockbuster or ordering Chinese takeout every weekend made all the difference."
A Life Anchored by Love
The simplicity of those moments belies the profound impact they had on Poirier’s life and career. "I had a girl I loved, and she loved me," he said. "I had somewhere to be. If I was that age and fighting, and known like I was, I wouldn’t have been on schedule at the gym every day, I wouldn’t have had to lay my head on a pillow at a certain time. I would’ve been out partying with my buddies who were doing all the things that young fighters typically do." Jolie provided the stability and discipline that Poirier needed to stay focused on his goals. Her belief in him, even when he doubted himself, was a crucial factor in his ability to persevere and achieve success in the highly competitive world of MMA.
The Power of Belief
Self-belief is a double-edged sword, alternating between a source of strength and a point of vulnerability. Poirier, like many athletes, has experienced both extremes. "A lot of times, I didn’t believe in myself," he confessed. "But she believed in me so much that it was hard to quit on myself whenever she thought I could do whatever I wanted." This external validation was not just a motivational boost but a lifeline that kept Poirier grounded and determined. Her faith in his abilities and potential gave him the courage to push through tough times, both in and out of the octagon.
Facing the Final Bout
Despite his impressive career, Poirier has seen his share of ups and downs, both in the sport and in life. His most recent fight, a hard-fought battle against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June, ended in a loss. However, the fight’s intensity and quality earned it a nod as a Fight of the Year contender. "The Diamond" is now planning what he hopes will be his final bout in the UFC, with the dream of ending his career back home in New Orleans this summer. The city that has been a constant in his life, from his early days to his current status as a top fighter, holds a special place in his heart. Having the support of his hometown and his loved ones, particularly Jolie, will undoubtedly play a significant role in his final fight.
Legacy and Gratitude
As Poirier approaches the twilight of his MMA career, he reflects on the journey with gratitude and a sense of fulfillment. "I feel fortunate to have had the support I did, and to have someone who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself," he said. His relationship with Jolie has been a cornerstone of his success, providing not just emotional support but also the practical foundation he needed to become one of the best fighters in the world. Whether he wins or loses his final fight, Poirier is content knowing that he has lived a life anchored by love and the unyielding belief of the woman who stood by him through everything.
