UFC Norfolk video recap: Dustin Poirier stops Anthony Pettis in bloody three-round fight

UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier took on another former lightweight champion, but picked up a definitive victory this time around.

Dustin Poirier was a man on a mission entering his main event fight against Anthony Pettis at UFC Norfolk. As he took on another former lightweight champion, “The Diamond” achieved victory this time around to climb up the ranks of the 155-pound division.

What was the high point of the fight?

Poirier’s wrestling stood out in this fight, as he was able to complete most of his takedown attempts. But going against a dangerous guard player like Pettis, he was put in a bit of danger during some moments and was even caught in a tight triangle choke attempt.

But Poirier kept his poise and played his game throughout the majority of the fight, landing some vicious ground and pound attacks that cut Pettis up. The fight ended with Pettis injuring his rib and tapping out, as he was fighting off Poirier’s transitions from back control to full mount in the final two minutes of the third round.

Where do these two go from here?

Pettis’ last few performances are no longer as spectacular and dominant as his days as the UFC lightweight champion three years ago. Getting back into contention is now a long road for him, and he would need to grind his way back into the conversation of possible title contenders.

Poirier asked for the winner of the Eddie Alvarez vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 218, and rightfully so because it would be a win-win situation for him. He either takes on Gaethje and gets a new opportunity to shine against a big enough name, or he fights Alvarez again and gets to prove that he indeed won their previous encounter last May. And even if he wins, he may also have to deal with other top contenders like Khabib Nurmagomedov or Edson Barboza, before earning a title shot.

Watch it now, later or never?

The ending may be a bit anti-climactic, but the fight featured exciting grappling exchanges and scrambles. Watch it now.