Dustin Poirier, forging ahead towards UFC 318, finds his career shadowed by one of mixed martial arts’ most explosive rivalries: his tumultuous history with Conor McGregor. With the Dustin Poirier UFC 318 rivalry in the spotlight and final chapter closing on a storied journey, both the echoes of past conflict and the uncertainty of future contenders take center stage in New Orleans.
How the McGregor-Poirier Conflict Shaped an MMA Legacy
For years, Conor McGregor’s exceptional trash talk amplified promotional hype, but in his rivalry with Dustin Poirier, tensions exceeded mere theatrics. The animosity began building after McGregor faced Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, but it intensified following McGregor’s loss to Poirier at UFC 257. Verbal exchanges between the two escalated steeply, culminating in a searing prelude to their trilogy clash at UFC 264.
The heated lead-up reached its peak when McGregor publicly insinuated that Jolie Poirier, Dustin’s wife, had privately messaged him on Instagram. This claim became a focal point during the pre-fight press conference, with McGregor launching a series of personal attacks. Nevertheless, once inside the T-Mobile Arena’s cage in Las Vegas, Nevada, McGregor’s night spiraled as he suffered a debilitating leg fracture in the closing seconds of the opening round. In that moment, Poirier, steadfast and unyielding, gained the definitive upper hand—physically and mentally—leaving the Octagon with a decisive 2-1 lead in their trilogy and a visible sense of satisfaction.
The rivalry, punctuated by McGregor’s infamous outburst against Jolie Poirier even after injuring himself, cemented the feud as one of the most intense in UFC history. Despite the time that has passed since their last fight, the tension between the two fighters—including the highly personal nature of their feud—continues to resonate as Poirier prepares for another significant bout in his career.
Reflections and Growth: Poirier on His McGregor Experience
Recently, Dustin Poirier shared his perspective on the enduring rivalry in an interview with Megan Olivi. He admitted the rivalry changed him not just as a competitor but as a person. Recalling his mental journey through the three fights with McGregor, Poirier revealed:
“The talking and all that stuff didn’t get under my skin and get in my head like it did the first time. You know, the first time I fought him, everything he said—I would go to sleep thinking about. And the next two fights, it was just noise at that point. You know, I’d fought everybody at that point. And I knew all that mattered was when the bell rings,”
—Dustin Poirier, Fighter
This evolution showed how Poirier drew strength from hardship, turning McGregor’s barbs into motivation for his performance inside the Octagon.
Setting Sights on Max Holloway and the BMF Belt
With the rivalry against McGregor now relegated to the past, Poirier is prepared to take on Max Holloway in what promises to be another high-stakes trilogy. Scheduled for July 19 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, the match will see Holloway defend his BMF (Baddest Mother******) title, adding another layer of prestige and emotional weight to Poirier’s anticipated final fight.
Though Poirier has not captured the undisputed championship during his career, many see the BMF belt as a recognition befitting his grit and tenacity. For Louisiana’s own, this moment offers the chance to close his UFC career in front of a hometown crowd, vying for an accolade that resonates deeply with fans and himself alike.
The Uncertainty of Conor McGregor’s Future in the UFC
Interest in Conor McGregor’s next move has persisted among MMA followers, particularly given his absence from the Octagon since his loss to Poirier at UFC 264. After a potential comeback at UFC 303 fell through due to a broken pinky toe, McGregor’s fighting future grew increasingly uncertain.
Complications mounted for the Irishman, with later controversies—including backlash from the Nikita hand judgement—affecting his brand and causing sponsors and organizations to create distance. Amid dwindling patience from fans, McGregor has shifted focus, recently announcing his intention to vie for political office in Ireland, placing further doubt on any imminent return to MMA.
Even Poirier appears skeptical about whether their paths will cross again in the cage. On a recent podcast appearance, Poirier stated:
“I fought him again it would just be for the money, It felt so nice – I whipped him twice. It would be just for the money and the money would be incredible. I don’t know if he’s ever going to come back. I was his last two fights. That was years ago, and he still hasn’t fought. I just think he’s one of those guys who is addicted to the limelight. He just wants to be in the mix and in social media. Maybe he does come back, but I just think that he has an addiction to the light.”
—Dustin Poirier, Fighter
With two bouts left on his UFC contract but a growing presence outside the sport, McGregor’s next chapter remains as unpredictable as it is closely watched. UFC President Dana White and the promotion have seemingly reoriented toward new stars such as Ilia Topuria, signaling possible closure of the McGregor-Poirier rivalry era within the organization.
What Comes Next for Dustin Poirier and the MMA World
As anticipation builds for UFC 318 and Poirier’s prospective final walk, his journey from the turbulence of the McGregor rivalry to the present BMF title hunt captures the emotional highs and lows of a storied career. The conflict with McGregor, involving key figures like Jolie Poirier, media personalities such as Megan Olivi, and historic settings like T-Mobile Arena and the Smoothie King Center, continues to define the narrative arc of both competitors.
With Las Vegas and New Orleans standing as key battlegrounds, and figures like Max Holloway, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dana White, and Michael Chandler shaping the MMA landscape, Poirier’s farewell stands as a testament to perseverance in the face of drama and adversity. Whether the final bell closes the book on old feuds or opens new doors, the lasting impact of the Dustin Poirier UFC 318 rivalry underscores how legacy, rivalry, and personal growth are forever intertwined in the octagon’s shadow.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. Dustin Poirier is expected to have a net worth of $10 million in 2025. He has earned money from big sponsorships with brands such as Venum. He also helps others by supporting causes through his group called “The Good Fight Foundation,” which tries to improve life for people in need.
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a nice guy?
A. Dustin Poirier is known by many people in MMA as a kind and respectful person. He lives up to his nickname, “The Diamond,” by caring for his family and helping those in need in his community. Still, after he defeated Conor McGregor at UFC 264, he behaved differently than usual.