DUSTIN POIRIER declared it his 'destiny' to claim the UFC lightweight title at the second time of asking in his final pre-fight message to fans.
The pride of Lafayette, Lousiana will bid to get his hands on undisputed gold against defending 155lb champ Charles Oliveira tomorrow morning in the main event of UFC 269.
Poirier's Hall-of-Fame career has been littered with highs and lows, which he believes have all led him to a potentially career-defining moment under the bright lights at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena.
Speaking to UFC commentator Joe Rogan following a tense final staredown, Poirier admitted: "Man, this is the big one.
"I've paid my dues. One more mountain to claim for the ultimate view.
"Baby, destiny doesn't make mistakes. Let's go!"
Soft-spoken submission specialist Oliveira had to battle through chants of 'USA, USA' as he made his final pre-fight declaration.
The Brazilian said: "The word of God says, 'There are a thousand people to your side' but that he's above and beyond all of them.
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"All I have to say is he's with me and I'm gonna get him."
Fan favourite Poirier hopes to further solidify himself as a legend of the sport by going one better than he did in his ill-fated UFC 242 clash with the retired Khabib Nurmagomedov.
He said: "If I can become the world champion Saturday night, I’ve done everything I set out to do.
"I’ve set my family up. We’re in a good position financially.
"I have other businesses. I have to check that box.
"That’s forever. I was saying 25 minutes to make life fair.
"This is 25 minutes for eternity, 25 until eternity. That’s what this is. You don’t take that away.
“Once a champion, always a champion. It’s very important for me and my wife. It just cements everything that we’ve done.”
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