In the world of mixed martial arts, the reactions of fighters to events in the octagon can sometimes be as captivating as the bouts themselves. Such was the case when Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad expressed their amusement at a meme that originated from Dustin Poirier’s fight against Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299. The meme, which quickly went viral, poked fun at Poirier’s numerous guillotine choke attempts during the match. ESPN MMA highlighted the joke on their Instagram page, adding to the buzz within the MMA community.
The fight between Poirier, nicknamed ‘The Diamond’, and Saint Denis, known as ‘God of War’, was a co-main event spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats. From the first bell, the intensity was palpable as Saint Denis launched into the fray with a barrage of strikes and grapples. Despite the Frenchman’s aggressive approach, it was Poirier’s repeated efforts to secure a guillotine choke that stood out. These attempts, although unsuccessful, became a focal point of the battle and later, the subject of widespread online humor.
Poirier’s coach had advised him to avoid further attempts at the guillotine choke after the first round, but Poirier was undeterred. He went for one more in the second round, a decision that would become a talking point among fans and fighters alike. The persistence of ‘The Diamond’ in seeking the submission was both a testament to his fighting spirit and a catalyst for the viral meme that followed.
The reactions to the meme on social media were varied, but notable were the responses from prominent fighters like Usman and Muhammad, who both left emojis in the comments section of the ESPN MMA Instagram post. The engagement from such high-profile athletes underscored the meme’s impact and the camaraderie within the MMA community. It was a light-hearted moment that allowed fighters and fans to bond over a shared sense of humor.
Despite the levity of the meme, the fight was a serious affair, with Poirier eventually emerging victorious by knockout in the second round. The win was a result of a well-timed counter and a series of precise strikes that overwhelmed Saint Denis. Poirier’s victory, however, did not come without its challenges. In a post-fight interview, he acknowledged the difficulty he faced in the first round, expressing his surprise at Saint Denis’ performance. Poirier’s candid reflection on the fight offered insight into his mindset and revealed the respect he had for his opponent’s abilities.
