Poirier was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and is of Acadian French descent, specifically of Cajun heritage. He attended Northside High School for a short time, as he dropped out in the ninth grade because of repeatedly getting into trouble and street fights.
Poirier turned professional in 2009, quickly compiled a record of 7–0, competing mostly in regional promotions across his native Louisiana and the Southern United States. Glimpses of Poirier's early MMA career in Louisiana is depicted in the documentary Fightville.
Poirier lost a unanimous decision to Danny Castillo in his WEC debut on August 18, 2010, at WEC 50.

Return to Dustin Poirier Autograph Profile