Dustin Poirier is a young, talented WEC prospect who’s shown good raw talent early in his career. Fighting out of Louisiana, USA as part of the Gladiators Academy of Lafayette, Poirier is a solid lightweight talent who holds a notable win over Derek Gauthier.

Poirier is a gamer who’s able to compete anywhere on the ground. He possesses a good understanding of both wrestling and BJJ, having proven comfortable fighting from top position or off his back. Although Poirier will need to continue working on his takedown defense, he does work hard at keeping the fight standing and has proven very difficult to keep controlled on the mat. Poirier works well off his back where he displays active hips and legs. He works his sweep attempts and possesses a very active submission game featuring triangles, armbars, and omoplatas. That BJJ game while active, is still green and developing. His submission attempts are often loose, easily defended, and wind up costing him position on the mat. Poirier will also need to get better at controlling his opponent on the ground, but the awareness he’s shown early on is certainly encouraging. While Poirier will need to work on his takedowns, he has shown aggressive ground and pound abilitie. Capable of delivering strong punches from the top, Poirier also makes good use of his knees from side control.

Showing versatility early in his career, Poirier doesn’t shy away from striking. He shows quickness on his feet, and is an exciting fighter who will stand in the pocket and throw down. Poirier is still developing his standup but does a good job of mixing up his striking. He works a good jab and left straight, a nice right hook, and shows diversity in his kicking game. Poirier throws effective low kicks, snaps his high kicks and successfully incorporates front kicks and side kicks into his arsenal. He’s also shown very respectable power and is capable of finishing opponents using his standup. Like his ground game, Poirier’s approach is commendable although he will need to focus on his technique. He’s still stiff at times and although he’s equipped with a solid chin, Poirier will need to tighten up his defense as he has been knocked out and rendered unconscious early.