Unbreakable – The story of Dustin Poirier

When world champions visualise their rise to success, they might not always account for a serious injury. On their path to greatness, it can be a detour that some struggle to correct and they might never return to the sport they love. For Dustin Poirier, it was another step on his path to the top...but it was not without its challenges.

The account below includes unique, personal perspectives from Dustin and his surgeons, detailing his journey through serious hip injury and a triumphant return to the highest level of competition.

Like every champion, Dustin’s rise to greatness in mixed martial arts (MMA) had to start somewhere. Turning professional in 2009, he quickly built an undefeated record of seven straight wins in regional contests in the southern United States.

His first ever MMA fight ever took place in 2007 in Texarkana in an outdoor event hosted in a rodeo arena. Even though Dustin didn’t have a car, and he stayed in a “cheap, dirty hotel” with his wife, he found the whole experience exhilarating in a way that would set the tone for his career.

Unsurprisingly, Dustin was nervous ahead of the fight…until he experienced the adrenalin rush. Even in these humble beginnings, his talent and tenacity as an MMA athlete shone through as he secured his first win. Instantly hooked on the thrill of the crowd and the energy of the occasion, Dustin knew it was something he would do many more times.

The victory against Josh Grispi in 2010 was a springboard for Dustin to take things to the next level. He needed no invitation to raise his game in every aspect – he trained harder, he sparred longer, he focused on nutrition and surrounded himself with the right training partners and coaches.

The result was a seemingly unstoppable run of success, earning the respect of his opponents and the attention of the sporting press. His dedication and commitment built to a climax in 2019 at UFC 236 when he successfully defeated Max “Blessed” Holloway to be crowned the Interim UFC Lightweight Champion of the World.

Dustin’s place in the UFC history books was confirmed and his abilities were going from strength to strength, but the lingering injury, first highlighted by the infamous calf kick in 2017, was to later prove that a career-threatening injury can happen to any athlete…at any time.

Throughout the many years Dr Penton had Dustin as a patient, they frequently discussed the dangers of injury and the impact they could have on a career. Dustin admits to having concerns with his hip that dated back around a decade, noticing how they gradually worsened and affected the range of motion in his hip joint. The pain and discomfort reached a pinnacle whereby his day-to-day life was consumed by pain, limiting his ability to walk around or even play with his daughter.

The impact of the ongoing injury obviously transferred to Dustin’s activity as an athlete, with training sessions and being on his feet all day resulting in excruciating pain. He knew he needed to get his injury resolved, but the determination to push himself did not stop. The realisation seemingly arrived when he suffered defeat at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov in a 2019 world title unification fight in Abu Dhabi.

When later asked how the injury was affecting Dustin in the Octagon, Dr Penton observed how his hip was impeding progress, and that surgery was likely the only option that would see Dustin make a full return to form. At that point, Dustin was committed to defeating his long-term adversary: his injury.

To carry out their surgical plan, surgeons need advanced instrumentation at their disposal – instrumentation they can rely on to perform in the most complex of cases. When asked who he chooses, Dr Philippon cites his long-standing use of Smith+Nephew hip preservation technology.

Valuing Smith+Nephew’s eagerness to respond to surgeons’ ideas and provide solutions that meet their needs, Dr Philippon applauds ongoing efforts to support and train surgeons on the use of instruments through medical education activities. He believes this ultimately helps surgeons perform “great surgery” for more of their patients.

Similarly, Dr Penton outlines how his choice of technology is built on the principle of trust. The pressure on surgeons to deliver positive outcomes is relentless, coupled with their own desire to help patients return to doing what they love. Over 15 years of clinical experience with our high-quality instruments, Dr Penton has “a great deal of confidence to achieve those ultimate outcomes” that patients desire.

Now approaching his retirement fight in 2025, Dustin’s focus is still firmly on the Octagon…but not without a lot of thought. After such a long and illustrious career, the concept of having a final bout, seeing his name in lights for the last time, naturally stirs a lot of emotions.

The smell of the gloves, the smell of the canvas and the crowd roaring his name - these are experiences that very few athletes will encounter, and Dustin is aware of the position he holds. Retaining the same humble dedication that put him on the map, he intends to embrace every moment.

Facing Max Holloway in New Orleans in a bout for the BMF belt, the crescendo of Dustin’s highly decorated and inspirational career is now on the cards at UFC 318 in front of a Louisiana home crowd.

Whatever the outcome, Dustin is conscious of the fact he approaches the next chapter in his life, but he does so without pain thanks to his surgery.

Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier is a rare example to young athletes and an inspiration to those who might suffer injury. Balancing unmatched toughness with the ability to shine a light on those around him, his next project will no doubt be good news for the UFC, the sport of MMA and the people of Louisiana.

We’re just proud to have played our part in helping him fight back to extend his career and reclaim his Life Unlimited.