Dustin Poirier Receives Inaugural 'Forrest Griffin Community Award'

Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Former UFC interim lightweight titleholder, Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier has been named the inaugural recipient of the Forrest Griffin Community Award, presented by Toyo Tires - for his community and charity work, alongside The Good Fight Foundation.

Poirier along with his wife, Jolie - founded The Good Fight Foundation back in 2018, and has set up campaigns, fundraisers, and programs in his native Louisiana to aid homelessness, as well as providing meals during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Following his UFC 242 defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov last September, both himself and Khabib raffled off their respective fight kits, raising $100,000 - which was matched by the UFC.

The 31-year-old will be presented with the award later this year, with Toyo Tires also providing a $25,000 donation to a charity of his choice. Following the UFC on ESPN 12 weigh-in this afternoon, Poirier gave his thoughts on becoming the premier recipient of the award.

"I'm just grateful for the things we have accomplished with the foundation, the way it's growing and the support and the people behind it," Poirier said. "It's amazing that when you do something from the heart, something that means something to you and you do it the right way, all the right things fall into place. These things are forced they are just happening."

UFC President, Dana White - who chose the inaugural recipient, spoke of Poirier after the Lafayette native was announced as the first awardee.

"Dustin (Poirier) is a great athlete, but more importantly he's a great human being," White said. "He is a kid who works hard and is passionate about giving back to not only his community but to those who are less fortunate."

Poirier will return to the Octagon tomorrow night at the UFC APEX facility, as he meets with Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker, in a high-stakes 155-pound pairing. Prior to his aforementioned loss to Khabib - the American Top Team mainstay had scored an incredible six-fight undefeated run. As part of the streak, Poirier overcame former UFC lightweight titleholders, Anthony Pettis, and Eddie Alvarez - as well as former featherweight best, Max Holloway in a rematch, and current interim champion, Justin Gaethje.