At 36 years old, Dustin Poirier has nearly done it all. Over 15 years in the fight game and slugging it out like his life depends on it, ‘The Diamond’ has earned his stripes inside the Octagon. Moreover, with an interim title and the scalps of the best 155fers, the Louisiana juggernaut is approaching the next of his storied career. UFC 302 offered him one final shot at undisputed gold as he stepped into the Octagon to face the dominant Dagestani champion, Islam Makhachev. Despite a valiant effort, Poirier fell short, losing via submission.
Leading up to the bout, ‘The Diamond’ had hinted that win or lose, this could mark the end of his journey. But in true Poirier fashion, the veteran isn’t quite ready to close the book just yet. Instead, he’s opting for one final dance before officially hanging up the gloves. Moreover, Poirier wishes to hang up his gloves and have a full-circle moment in his hometown of New Orleans. In an interview with MMA Fighting, he said, “I’m trying to retire in my home state. The UFC hasn’t been there since 2015. I fought on the card as well. I fought Yancy Medeiros, but that was the last time I got to fight at home. To retire where it all started in Louisiana would be incredible for me and my career.”
But brace yourselves, as there is an update on the same. In an interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, ‘The Diamond’ gave a development on his final fight. “Dustin Poirier tells @MikeBohn that he expects his retirement fight to be announced within the next two weeks.”
| Dustin Poirier tells @MikeBohn that he expects his retirement fight to be announced within the next two weeks. pic.twitter.com/0gksD1Exkq
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) April 14, 2025
While speaking to Mike Bohn during his sparring session at the American Top Team gym, the Louisiana native stated, “I am not emotional yet, I am sure as time goes on, there’s gonna be waves of different feelings. Right now, I am feeling confident and okay with my decision for it to be my last fight. Like I have said that I can still do this at the top level for a few more years, I know there is no doubt in my mind but what am I fighting for?”
He further stated that he does not believe in disrespecting the sport and only fighting for the title. If it’s not the title, then there is no use in fighting, is what he believes in. Moreover, his decision includes his family and other businesses, where he wants to put his focus now. The owner of The Good Fight Foundation declared that he wanted to focus on his daughter and be healthy for her while also concentrating on his businesses outside of combat sports.
Apart from that, he also addressed his own concerns about his health previously. Poirier told NBC News, “My body feels good, but I’ve been getting punched and kicked and kneed in the face for almost 18 years. I want to take care of my brain health.” So now that the retirement fight is happening and it might take place in Louisiana, who will ‘The Diamond’ face? For his last dance?
Dustin Poirier’s desired opponent for his retirement fight
A fan just got lucky and did a huge favour to the MMA world by being impatient. Just after UFC 314 concluded, a fan came on to X and implored the former interim lightweight champion for some information about his last fight. The X post by @flowerchild_ty read, “@DustinPoirier, can we get the details for your next fight pleaseeeeeeeeeee.”
Luckily, ‘The Diamond’ happened to stumble upon the post, and with one word, he set the MMA World ablaze. What did he reply with?—-“War.” No date or name, but enough to send the fans into a frenzy. With the rumors of Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway always on the tip of everyone’s tongue, Poirier did say that he was only going to take elite fighters for his last dance.
Meanwhile, Poirier was a desk analyst for the Miami PPV this weekend, and naturally, he was in the middle of the storm since he was sitting with Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier. When there is Sonnen in the discussion, no one can escape his silver tongue and witty remarks that can pull out a secret. After all, ‘The American Gangster’ is the most prolific and memorable trash-talker in MMA history. Sonnen articulated, “155 has only one piece of clarity, it’s that Dustin and Max [Holloway] are matched up. After that, we don’t have anybody for [Arman] Tsarukyan. We don’t have anybody for Ilia, we don’t have anybody for Justin Gaethje. I think the bosses are sitting and waiting for the outcome of Paddy and Chandler,” leaving Poirier stunned.
Cormier came to the rescue , barely and said to Sonnen that he did not know if Holloway vs Poirier was true or not. Poirier’s reply? ” I don’t either… I started sweating when he said that.” So will it be a trilogy fight between the past rivals? Or will Poirier fight someone else? Tell us what you think!
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