Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier, the UFC lightweight contender, is as well-known for his fighting prowess as he is for his intricate tattoo collection. Each piece of ink on Poirier’s body tells a story, marking moments, beliefs, and the people who have shaped his life. As he prepared for a highly anticipated rematch with Conor McGregor, Poirier’s tattoos became a talking point, offering a glimpse into the fighter’s persona beyond the octagon.
Dustin Poirier showcasing his extensive tattoo collection
Poirier’s journey into the world of tattoos began early. Growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, tattoos were a common sight. In a GQ interview, Poirier shared that he got his first tattoo at the young age of 14. These early tattoos were “street tattoos,” done by amateur artists, a common practice in his neighborhood. His first piece was a “D” for Dustin, accompanied by flames and dice, a design choice he now attributes to youthful impulsiveness. Concerned about the unsanitary conditions of these home-made tattoos, Poirier’s mother eventually gave him permission to get professionally done tattoos at a reputable shop, ensuring both artistry and safety.
Dustin Poirier revealing tattoos dedicated to the women in his life
Family plays a central theme in Poirier’s tattoo art. He proudly displays the names of four significant women in his life – his mother, wife Jolie, grandmother, and daughter – inked onto his skin. This tribute reflects the strong female figures who raised and supported him. On his right hand, the word “inspire” is etched alongside a crown, a combination Poirier chose simply “because it looks cool,” showcasing that not all tattoos need deep meaning to be personally significant. Conversely, his left hand features the word “faith” and a fleur-de-lis, a symbol deeply connected to his Louisiana roots and French heritage. The fleur-de-lis is not only a symbol of French royalty but also appears on the Louisiana state flag and is associated with the New Orleans Saints, his local NFL team, grounding him to his origins.
Close-up of Dustin Poirier's right hand tattoo with the word "inspire" and a crown
Detailed view of Dustin Poirier's left hand tattoo showcasing the fleur-de-lis and the word "faith"
Further personal expressions are found on Poirier’s forearms. His left forearm bears the powerful message “blood bought, paid in full,” a clear declaration of his Christian faith. On his right arm, a dove, a rose, and falling rose petals create a visually striking piece, representing peace, beauty, and perhaps the transient nature of life. He once had his Lafayette area code, 337, tattooed on his right arm but later covered it up, deeming it “silly and done bad,” a testament to evolving tastes and tattoo regrets that many can relate to. This cover-up also highlights the permanence and sometimes the impermanence of tattoos in one’s life journey.
Dustin Poirier's right arm tattoos, including a rose and dove, symbolizing different aspects of his life
Poirier’s arms are veritable canvases of storytelling. His right arm is adorned with images of Jesus, a star scene, fire, and a phoenix. The phoenix symbolizes overcoming adversity and rising from challenges, a fitting metaphor for a fighter’s career. Inside his right bicep, a Japanese mask adds an element of mystique and warrior spirit. His left arm continues the narrative with a tiger symbolizing strength and ferocity, an outline of the state of Louisiana as another nod to his home, and a magnolia, the state flower of Louisiana, representing dignity and beauty.
Across his chest, Poirier sports a tiger stripe pattern overlaid with the Bushido code, the Japanese “way of the warrior.” This chest piece is a powerful symbol of his fighting spirit and dedication to the warrior ethos, resonating deeply with his profession as an MMA fighter. He also has his wedding date to Jolie in Roman numerals on the back of his left hand, a subtle yet romantic commemoration of his marriage.
Dustin Poirier in action, showcasing his chest tattoo with the Bushido code
Finally, on his right thigh, a large solid cross covers up another youthful tattoo mistake. This act of covering up past tattoo choices with more meaningful or aesthetically pleasing art is a common practice in tattoo culture, reflecting personal growth and evolving artistic preferences.
Poirier views his tattoos as a journal of his life. “Every tattoo, I can remember what was going on in my life at the time,” he explained. His collection is not a meticulously pre-planned project but rather an organic accumulation of spontaneous decisions, each tattoo marking a specific moment or feeling. Dustin Poirier’s tattoos offer fans a unique lens through which to understand the fighter – a man deeply connected to his roots, family, faith, and warrior spirit, all etched permanently onto his skin.
