“It’s not like I’m slowing down that much or age is catching up with me. My reaction time is still good, I feel good, and I know I can beat these guys,” Dustin Poirier told The MMA Hour, holding onto the same confidence that’s fueled his legendary career. He knows he’s still got it, but he’s also realistic. If he waits too long, Father Time might finally catch up. That’s why he’s thinking about stepping away on his own terms. Still, Michael Bisping thinks time’s already catching up, and with Max Holloway standing across from him, ‘The Diamond’ might find that out the hard way.
Dustin Poirier has come out on top in both of his past fights against Max Holloway. But now, with both of them well into their thirties, they’re gearing up to run it back at UFC 318, this time in Poirier’s backyard, New Orleans. The Louisiana native is three years older and has always been seen as the more seasoned guy in the cage. But heading into this trilogy, people are wondering, is age finally gonna catch up with Poirier? That might be the biggest question going into this one.
Age is definitely a factor, especially in a brutal sport like MMA, where we’ve seen champions go on losing streaks, take too much damage, and eventually retire in the cage. While Poirier hasn’t hit that kind of decline, Michael Bisping thinks the tables might turn this time. What was once Poirier’s edge, his age and experience in the earlier Holloway fights, could now work against him.
Bisping said in his YouTube video, “It’s tricky, isn’t it, because Dustin Poirier has beaten him twice. Dustin Poirier is Max Holloway’s debut in the UFC. Submitted him via armbar. The second fight was for the interim title, a pretty good fight, but Dustin beat him on the judges. Now we go a few years forward, and the exact advantage that Dustin had over Max Holloway back in the day is now gonna bite him in the a—.”
He added, “And what do I mean by that? Well, Max Holloway, when he had that fight, what was he, 20? So, he was still growing into his full body, developing his man strength for a better expression. Where Poirier was a few years older with more experience. Now, Poirier is 36, with a lot of miles on the clock, which is why having his final fight. You start to slow down the wear and the tear! The injuries and surgeries. Now, the fact is, Max is the younger guy that’s gonna help him.”
MMA: UFC 236- Holloway vs Poirier , Apr 13, 2019 Atlanta, GA, USA Editors Note: Graphic Content Max Holloway red gloves fights Dustin Poirier blue gloves during UFC 236 at State Farm Arena. Poirier won by unanimous decision. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports, 14.04.2019 00:55:19, 12531765, State Farm Arena, Dustin Poirier, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 12531765
While age always plays a role, it’s worth noting that Poirier and Holloway are only three years apart. What might matter more is the evolution of Holloway’s striking. He has clearly sharpened since their 2019 clash, and that could give Poirier problems this time around. That said, ‘The Diamond’ looked sharp against Islam Makhachev just last year, showing he’s still got plenty left in the tank. So really, how much could change in just one year? That’s the real question, and we’ll only get the answer when he steps back into the Octagon.
Dustin Poirier’s final fight is shaping up to be a full-on spectacle. Not only are fans expecting fireworks in the cage, but there’s also buzz around some serious star power in attendance. Adding to the hype, the Louisiana native revealed that none other than Lil Wayne will be walking him out. To Poirier, it’s going to be nostalgia for his first fight!
Dustin Poirier wants to walk out with Lil Wayne at his retirement bout
UFC 318 is already looking to be a dream night for MMA fans. The UFC returns to New Orleans after a decade, headlined by hometown hero Dustin Poirier, and he’s planning to make it unforgettable. ‘The Diamond’s first walkout song was by Lil Wayne, and then he has walked out to ‘The Boss’ by James Brown so far. Now, for what might be his final fight, Poirier wants to walk out to Wayne’s “Drop the World,” which he used in his first fight against Josh Grispi, with the rap icon by his side.
Poirier, in his interview with Ariel Helwani, said, “My first fight in the UFC, when I fought Josh Grispi, I walked out to Lil Wayne. If Lil Wayne were to walk me out in New Orleans, I’ll walk out to Lil Wayne on my last flight. Switch up to James Brown. I walked out in my debut against Josh Grispi, ‘Drop The World.’ If he sees this, hit me up, Wayne.”
Whether Poirier sticks with his classic walkout tracks or chooses to make a statement with Lil Wayne, it’s going to be an epic moment! So, what do you think? Should Dustin keep it traditional or go with “Drop the World”? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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