Seven-plus years deep into the UFC, Dustin Poirier is looking for his first ever title shot, and his first five-fight-unbeaten streak in the UFC. He'll have to run back a legendary fight with Eddie Alvarez this Saturday to do it, though.
Their first fight last year ended in controversy at UFC 211, when Alvarez landed illegal knees to Poirier. This Saturday in Calgary, Poirier is just looking to get the job done, as he told Fightful.com's James Lynch ahead of the fight.
"When we get in there, it's business. Of course I don't like him as a person, but he's a dangerous fighter. Multiple time world champion, very dangerous man and his back's against the wall, and he feels pressure. We'll see what Eddie shows up, but he's going to take some damage Saturday night. Maybe he's a little more relaxed and recovered from his time off. Sometimes people can keep fighting, some need time off," Poirier told Fightful.com. "Eddie's going to go to sleep Saturday night?, I'm thinking third (round)."
Will Brooks, who has had an extreme degree of success against Eddie Alvarez in the past, has served as a valuable training partner to Poirier. According to Dustin, Brooks doesn't just help him prepare for Alvarez, as he's able to mimic the style of many fighters.
Another familiar training partner of Poirier's is Colby Covington. Poirier isn't exactly in line with Covington's antics, but doesn't deny that Covington has earned his accolades.
"I don't want to portray something I'm not, but everyone has their own route. He fought for a world title. He's getting a lot of exposure doing that, and he's winning the fights. That guy is a workhorse and a very talented fighter. This is entertainment. We train a lot and talk a good bit. I came in to start my camp a little early to help him finish his," said Poirier.
Poirier also wasn't keen on the antics of Brock Lesnar, who returned to the UFC last month, storming the cage to challenge new UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier.
"I didn't like seeing it on TV, but it's going to pull in huge numbers. I'm friends with Daniel (Cormier), so hopefully it pulls in big numbers and he gets rich," said Poirier.
Poirier also spoke about his use of CDB oil to help recover over the course of camp.
"It's a natural medicine, just like any herbal tea or anything you'd buy over the counter. It's a great anti inflammatory. I got linked up with Terphouse when the owner hit me up about signing a DVD for him, and we hit it off from there. I introduced him to some of my friends who owned gyms. I've developed a better recovery plan over the years. Now I push, and step back," said Poirier.
In the full discussion, Dustin Poirier (23-5, NC) discusses his main event matchup against Eddie Alvarez (29-5) at UFC on FOX 30 this Saturday.