Lafayette’s Own Dustin Poirier On UFC 195 [Audio]

Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier is trying to climb the lightweight rankings with another knockout at UFC 195, and Lafayette will be watching.

After making the decision to move back to lightweight, the Acadiana product has put on a show with a couple first round knockouts. Cutting all the weight down takes its toll on a fighter, but this lightweight version of "The Diamond" reminds fight fans why Dana White and the UFC invited him into the Octagon.

"I feel more powerful. I feel more like myself," Poirier said. "I was really draining myself."

Check the results of his first two fights since moving back up in weight: vicious strikes from the start leading to ground and pound, nonstop pressure knockouts. He will face another aggressive fighter in Joe Duffy at UFC 195 in Las Vegas on January 2nd, and Poirier is preparing for another chance at Performance of the Night.

"I'm expecting a high pace, high volume [fight]...it's going to be a fan friendly fight," Poirier said.

Since leaving Lafayette to pursue his MMA dreams, Poirier's earned the respect of a lot of serious fighters.

He now trains with UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler, who headlines UFC 195. If things work out in Poirier's favor, he could collect a win against Duffy (and a nice payday) in the morning on UFC Fight Pass, grab a steak dinner and a few drinks and finish the night by watching his buddy defend his title. Doesn't sound like a bad day in Vegas, does it?

If he collects a third straight knockout, Dana White has no choice but to slide him up the rankings. He currently sits at #12, but we might see another Lafayette fighter climb the charts in a hurry.