Poirier reveals invitation to fight at UFC 300 and cites crucial factor in denying opportunity

Dustin poirier faces Benoit-Saint Denis in the UFC 299. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil)

Contrary to expectations, Dustin poirier adopted a firm stance and surprised by revealing that he denied an invitation to star UFC 300. Escalated to face Benoit Saint-Denis, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.) declared that the invitation to star in the penultimate fight of the UFC 299 was more attractive and explained reason for staying out of the historic event.

“They offered me this fight in UFC 300. I was talking to Hunter (Campbell). We were thinking, maybe the opening of the pay-per-view, maybe the second fight of the pay-per-view. And then we started talking about 299, and to be the co-main event, it's a much bigger space. It's close to my training center, it's close to home. From New Orleans, I fly directly to Fort Lauderdale or Miami, so it’s easy for people,” said Poirier in an interview with 'The MMA Hour'.

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Despite the decision, Poirier reinforced that he would like to have participated in the UFC 300.

“I wanted to participate in the 300, but I think this made more sense, Yes, (it was my decision). They did it, they offered it,” she concluded.

Benoit Saint-Denis in victory in the UFC (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC)

In preparation for the big challenge on March 9, Poirier is present in Anaheim, California and faces Benoit Saint-Denis in the penultimate fight of the UFC 299. Third placed in the category ranking, the veteran appears as an underdog in the bookmakers and seeks to recover from the defeat suffered in his last appearance.