Dustin Poirier left former UFC champion in agony after ‘unique’ bone-breaking move ended bloody 2017 war

Dustin Poirier broke Anthony Pettis’ rib with body triangle coach called ‘unique’

In his third UFC main event, Poirier faced former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. The pair headlined UFC Fight Night 120 at Norfolk’s Ted Constant Convocation Center on November 11, 2017.

While Pettis had already reached the 155-pound throne and was two fights removed from unsuccessfully challenging for the interim featherweight gold, ‘The Diamond’ was on the path to his first title shot after a disappointing no contest against Eddie Alvarez.

Poirier bounced back in a big way, emerging victorious from a brutal and bloody war with Pettis that had many touting it as the Fight of the Year. The finish came somewhat anticlimactically in round three, however, when Pettis appeared to tap out with Poirier on top of him out of nowhere.

Replays suggested that an injury during a grappling exchange had occurred, later revealed to be a fractured rib. Pettis’ coach Duke Roufus credited Poirier for delivering the damage with a “unique” position.

“It was a unique move. Dustin had his legs on that body triangle a little higher, on the ribs,” Roufus told ESPN.

“We’re optimistic about it. When I was 19, I suffered an injury that I still struggle with and that’s torn rib cartilage. When Anthony tapped on Saturday, I was worried that’s what it was.

“Bones are always easier to heal than ligaments and tendons. We’re looking at the bright side of the situation.”

Dustin Poirier thought he had ‘broken’ more than Anthony Pettis’ rib

Though a sudden injury ultimately resulted in Poirier’s hand being raised, ‘The Diamond’ believed he was well on his way to a victory anyway.

During his post-fight press conference, Poirier suggested that he had Pettis mentally beat before the grappling exchange that left ‘Showtime’ injured.

“I think it was a broken man more than a broken rib,” Poirier said. “But that’s my thoughts, you know?

“Hopefully nothing is wrong with the guy. But I felt like the fight was slowly slipping away from him after the cut and after the takedowns. He realized I was strong and I was gonna stay on top. He couldn’t submit me.”