Dustin Poirier, often revered as ‘ The Diamond ‘, shares a distinctive bond with fellow UFC fighters. Renowned not only for his exceptional fighting prowess but also for his philanthropic efforts through the American Fighter’s Good Fight Foundation, which he co-manages with his wife. Over the course of his career, Poirier has crossed paths with numerous formidable opponents. However, when a curious fan inquired about his perspective on who wields the mightiest punch between Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje, the answer was shrouded in an unmistakable aura of intrigue.

Poirier shares a unique relationship with both McGregor and Gaethje. He holds Gaethje in high regard, both as a person and as a fighter, with profound respect for him. However, his relationship with McGregor soured following their last fight. Conor promised to make a significant donation to his foundation, but he didn’t follow through and didn’t provide any amount. Poirier stated that McGregor hadn’t fulfilled his promise of making the donation. McGregor argued that he didn’t pay because he hadn’t seen proof of where the money would be used, all while also insulting Poirier’s wife.

Fans react as Dustin Poirier chooses Justin Gaethje over Conor McGregor

The 31-year-old fighter, who is seeking a comeback, has been reflecting on his disheartening loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 291’s BMF title clash. When asked by a fan about who hits harder between Gaethje and McGregor, he stated that Gaethje hits harder compared to McGregor. Upon hearing this statement, fans flocked to Reddit to express their opinions on it.

Most of the fans agreed with Poirier’s statement and stated that McGregor’s punches may be clean, but Gaethje’s punches hit harder. Some of the comments by the fans are:

• Makes sense. Conor’s left may be as good as (or better than) any of Gaethje’s strikes, but as a whole it definitely looks like Gaethje hits harder.
• Conor was never a crazy power puncher, you don’t even need power for KOs. He was just really, really accurate. Clean shots will put people to sleep as well as hard shots. Not surprised by this and I would’ve thought the same
• Dustin used to say Conor. Personally, I think Conor’s timing and distance management is just super amazing but raw power – Gaethje
• Not surprised. Conors power at 145 was deadly, but in boxing punching power will sometimes carry over but not have the same effect. Gaethje floors dudes with his punches. And kicks haha
• Now that you fought both? Causal or what. They already fought before and he still said conor after the Friday gaethje fight.
• Conor’s power doesn’t seem to carry over above 145 lbs.
• Nahh I would have rated the power in his left hand to be top of 145, probably not 55 with the likes of chandler, gaethje etc.

Read more: Conor McGregor Return Update: Irishman Avoids 2024 Return Amidst USADA & UFC Troubles, Confirms Comeback Timeline Against Michael Chandler

It can be inferred from the varied reactions of the fans that they agree with the words stated by Poirier. Fans agree that McGregor’s punches are clean & his left hand is strong and may carry power, but as a whole, it is Gaethje who wins when it comes to raw power and punches.

Poirier’s rivalry with McGregor and Gaethje

McGregor and Gaethje have always been rivals of Dustin Poirier as a fighter. He has faced these fighters multiple times, having fought twice against Gaethje and three times against McGregor. His record in these rivalries is unparalleled. Poirier holds a deep respect for Gaethje as both a person and a fighter, but the situation is entirely different when it comes to McGregor.

Poirer has fought twice against Gaethje and secured one defeat and one win thus equaling the tally. Their first bout took place on April 15, 2018, which Poirier won in the fourth round by knocking out Gaethje. However, Gaethje got his revenge when they faced each other again on July 30th of this year, knocking out Poirier in the second round to secure the victory.

Poirier has fought against McGregor thrice. Their first bout took place way back in 2014, Poirier lost that fight by way of a knockout. Their second and third bout was in 2021 and Poirier emerged victorious in their last two face-offs. In the trilogy of Poirier vs. McGregor, Poirier won by 2-1.

Watch this Story: “I Was Really Attacking”- After Dustin Poirier Called Him “Reckless”, Justin Gaethje Gives His Secret Adjustment at UFC 291