Poirier responds to criticism for not accepting a new opponent at short notice: 'Shut up'

D. Poirier still wants to face J. Duffy. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

After the whirlwind of recent events regarding UFC Fight Night 76, there was a lot of criticism for Dustin poirier, who did not agree to face a new opponent just a few days before the attraction that will be held in Dublin, Ireland, next Saturday (24).

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Poirier's original opponent, Joseph Duffy, was injured the week of the event that was cut from the card. Some fighters offered to replace him at the last minute, but it was Poirier who denied the change, leaving him also left out of the card.

In an interview with the YouTube channel “mmaUnderground”, Poirier responded to the criticism very directly. “I saw a lot of fans and other fighters coming and criticizing me, but…. Dude, shut up. Do what you have to do. But that's me. It’s up to me to go in there or not,” he replied.

One of the fighters who criticized Poirier is Norman Parke, who is scheduled for UFC Dublin against Reza Madadi. “Of course he would accept it. It would be a more important fight for him. I can beat him. It's a completely different style. Duffy comes forward, presses, tries to end the fight. Parke wants to grab your legs and press you against the fence, making the fight boring. I don’t want to be part of these fights,” he argued.

Finally, Poirier assured that, despite all the recent setbacks, he still has the objective of facing the Irishman. “I was focused on Duffy tonight. I hope the fight can be rescheduled for January 2nd,” he said, referring to UFC 195, which will be held in Las Vegas (USA).

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