Poirier will meet Grispi in a featherweight duel on New Year's Day at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Grispi was initially supposed to face 145-pound kingpin Jose Aldo in his first defense of his newly-christened UFC title, but after Aldo was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury, Poirier received the call to fight the division's No. 1 contender in the Brazilian’s place.
“I actually got the call two weeks after I had just fought at WEC 52. I'm a gym rat, so of course I was training when I got the call from my manager,” said Poirier. “He asked me if I wanted the fight, and I [thought] it was a great opportunity for me to make a name for myself in the featherweight division.”
With only nine pro fights to his credit, some might think the 21-year-old naïve for accepting a fight with the division's No. 1 contender, especially since he's never before fought at featherweight. Poirier, however, has a different view of the situation.
“I personally think I was chosen for one of two reasons, Either they really thought I was up to the challenge or they think it's going to be a tune up fight for Grispi, which is a horrible idea in my opinion,” said Poirier. “I'm a gamer, and I definitely won't be an easy fight for anyone. I'm one punch or one submission away from beating anyone in the division, and will prove myself on Jan. 1.”
Poirier won his bout at WEC 52, smashing a game but overmatched Zachary Micklewright in just 53 seconds. Although the Gladiators Training Academy standout landed several hard combinations, a wobbly Micklewright refused to relent until the bitter end.
“He's very tough. I landed some clean shots on his chin, but he stayed on his feet,” said Poirier. “I think I had him hurt from the opening bell, but he was hard to finish.”
In Grispi, Poirier faces a huge featherweight with a penchant for finishing fights via submission. Though “The Fluke” is only 22-years-old, he's been fighting since 2006 -- far longer than Poirier. Additionally, Grispi is undefeated in four WEC appearances, besting Mark Hominick, Micah Miller, Jens Pulver and most recently L.C. Davis. Nevertheless, Poirier remains unfazed by Grispi's resume and abilities.
“Him being a bigger 145 doesn't bother me. I've been fighting gangsters in the [lightweight] division for a couple of years now. I think my fighting style matches up well against his. He's a finisher, and so am I,” said Poirier. “I think my stand up is better than his, and my ground game is as well. Obviously, I have to watch out for his guillotine, but I'm not the kind of fighter that puts his neck on the line trying to get the double-leg. When we hit the ground, it's going to be because I sit his ass down.”
The 21-year-old has only competed as a pro for 18 months. Poirier has gone from relative obscurity to fighting in the biggest show on earth seemingly overnight. Though the call up to the UFC has come sooner than expected, the rapid promotion was not shocking, says the fighter. According to Poirier, his sweat and dedication have earned him his shot at the big time.
“I'm a hard worker, and I knew it would happen, but not this soon. I believe that everything happens for a reason. These kind of opportunities don't come to people waiting on them; they come to people doing the right things, not only in the gym but [in] the way [they] live. This isn't by chance. This is my destiny, and history will remember me.”