- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 434,623
- Reaction score
- 44
Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier’s legendary career is a testament to resilience, heart, and unwavering determination. Over 16 years in the UFC and WEC, the Louisiana native evolved from a fiery featherweight prospect into one of the greatest lightweights in MMA history, with epic battles against icons like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Max Holloway.
His wars inside the Octagon cemented his reputation as a fighter who never backed down from a challenge. Beyond his in-cage brilliance, he became a fan favorite for his authenticity, philanthropy through The Good Fight Foundation, and grit that defined his journey.
Megan Briggs-GettyImages
One of the most storied careers in MMA history will come to an end this summer, as Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier prepares for his retirement fight at UFC 318 on July 19 in New Orleans. The 36-year-old Louisiana native will face longtime rival Max Holloway in a five-round showdown for the symbolic BMF title, marking his final walk to the Octagon after nearly two decades in the sport.
For Poirier, UFC 318 is more than a farewell—it’s a homecoming. The UFC hasn’t hosted an
event in Louisiana since 2015, when Poirier last fought there, and the promotion worked closely with him to secure New Orleans as the venue.
Poirier confirmed the bout on The Pat McAfee Show, stating, “I’m going to lay my gloves down in Louisiana, where it all started for me. The whole journey started there, and I’m just honored the UFC was on the same page, the state of Louisiana was on the same page to make all of this work.”
The fight against Holloway carries deep historical weight. Their trilogy spans 13 years, beginning with Poirier’s first-round submission win over a young, debuting Holloway at UFC 143 in 2012. Their 2019 rematch, a bloody war for the interim lightweight belt, further cemented Poirier’s legacy as a pound-for-pound great.
Now, Holloway, fresh off a featherweight title loss to Ilia Topuria, moves up to lightweight permanently, aiming to finally conquer his longtime rival and defend the BMF belt he won from Justin Gaethje last year.
The emotional weight of the moment isn’t lost on fans, who have watched Poirier evolve from a fiery prospect to a beloved veteran, known for his entertaining style.
Poirier’s decision to retire stems from a mix of personal fulfillment and physical preservation. Despite acknowledging he could still compete at the highest level, the former interim lightweight champion has repeatedly stated that without a title on the line, the motivation to continue fades
“I've always fought to be a champion, so if it's not for a title, then it's time to go away,” Poirier told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn in an interview before the fight announcement was made. “I think it's a responsible decision and respect to the sport.”
As fight night approaches, UFC fans brace for an emotional send-off. Poirier’s career, defined by heart and resilience, deserves a fitting finale. Whether he adds the BMF belt to his collection or not, his legacy as one of lightweight’s greatest is secure.
For Holloway, the stakes are equally high. This will be his chance to avenge two losses and stake his claim at 155 pounds. But for Poirier, this is about closure.
“I’m good. My family’s good,” he reflected. “It’s time.”
Continue reading...
His wars inside the Octagon cemented his reputation as a fighter who never backed down from a challenge. Beyond his in-cage brilliance, he became a fan favorite for his authenticity, philanthropy through The Good Fight Foundation, and grit that defined his journey.
You must be registered for see images attach
Megan Briggs-GettyImages
One of the most storied careers in MMA history will come to an end this summer, as Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier prepares for his retirement fight at UFC 318 on July 19 in New Orleans. The 36-year-old Louisiana native will face longtime rival Max Holloway in a five-round showdown for the symbolic BMF title, marking his final walk to the Octagon after nearly two decades in the sport.
For Poirier, UFC 318 is more than a farewell—it’s a homecoming. The UFC hasn’t hosted an
event in Louisiana since 2015, when Poirier last fought there, and the promotion worked closely with him to secure New Orleans as the venue.
Poirier confirmed the bout on The Pat McAfee Show, stating, “I’m going to lay my gloves down in Louisiana, where it all started for me. The whole journey started there, and I’m just honored the UFC was on the same page, the state of Louisiana was on the same page to make all of this work.”
The fight against Holloway carries deep historical weight. Their trilogy spans 13 years, beginning with Poirier’s first-round submission win over a young, debuting Holloway at UFC 143 in 2012. Their 2019 rematch, a bloody war for the interim lightweight belt, further cemented Poirier’s legacy as a pound-for-pound great.
Now, Holloway, fresh off a featherweight title loss to Ilia Topuria, moves up to lightweight permanently, aiming to finally conquer his longtime rival and defend the BMF belt he won from Justin Gaethje last year.
The emotional weight of the moment isn’t lost on fans, who have watched Poirier evolve from a fiery prospect to a beloved veteran, known for his entertaining style.
Poirier’s decision to retire stems from a mix of personal fulfillment and physical preservation. Despite acknowledging he could still compete at the highest level, the former interim lightweight champion has repeatedly stated that without a title on the line, the motivation to continue fades
“I've always fought to be a champion, so if it's not for a title, then it's time to go away,” Poirier told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn in an interview before the fight announcement was made. “I think it's a responsible decision and respect to the sport.”
As fight night approaches, UFC fans brace for an emotional send-off. Poirier’s career, defined by heart and resilience, deserves a fitting finale. Whether he adds the BMF belt to his collection or not, his legacy as one of lightweight’s greatest is secure.
For Holloway, the stakes are equally high. This will be his chance to avenge two losses and stake his claim at 155 pounds. But for Poirier, this is about closure.
“I’m good. My family’s good,” he reflected. “It’s time.”
Related: Dustin Poirier’s Final Opponent—Who Will Get the Retirement Fight?
Related: Nate Diaz UFC Return Top 5 Potential Opponents
Related: Nate Diaz UFC Return Top 5 Potential Opponents
Continue reading...
