Dustin Poirier’s announced retirement fight at UFC 318 has attracted significant attention, especially regarding the mindset he brings into his final bout. Scheduled to face Max Holloway in their trilogy match, Poirier’s approach amidst retirement speculation has stirred debate about whether it could impact his performance. UFC President Dana White has officially sanctioned this farewell fight to celebrate Poirier’s career, highlighting the significance of the event set for Louisiana, where Poirier began his professional MMA journey.
Background on Poirier’s Retirement Announcement and Upcoming Trilogy Match
Dustin Poirier first hinted at retirement during the buildup to his title shot at UFC 302, which followed his defeat to Islam Makhachev. Although Poirier confirmed his intent to retire, he left open the possibility of returning for a memorable final fight. This was acknowledged by UFC President Dana White, who stated,
“Throughout the world, Dustin Poirier is a big star for us. He’s accomplished a lot in the sport. This is for him, to be honest with you. This is for him.”
—Dana White, UFC President. Consequently, White arranged for Poirier to face Max Holloway for the BMF belt at UFC 318, creating a marquee event to honor Poirier’s last bout.
Poirier expressed enthusiasm about ending his career against Holloway, describing their matchup as the ideal closure to his UFC tenure. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, he noted,
“I was his first fight in the UFC back in 2012, and now he’s going to be my last fight in the UFC. It’s an honor.”
—Dustin Poirier, UFC Fighter. The trilogy fight in Louisiana holds emotional value for Poirier, marking the full circle of his MMA career beginning.
Concerns Raised Over Poirier’s Retirement Declarations
Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez has voiced apprehension regarding Poirier’s public retirement talks. In a discussion with MMA analyst Dave Schmulenson, also known as ‘The Schmo,’ Alvarez commented on the trilogy fight dynamics. He said,
“It’s really hard to lose to someone three times in a row. Max is a champion in his own, right? Dustin is as well. I just want to see a good fight. Both times they fought they were great fights.”
—Eddie Alvarez, Former UFC Lightweight Champion. Alvarez also criticized Poirier’s decision to announce retirement before the fight, explaining,
“I don’t like, personally, I don’t like when a guy says I’m done, I’m retiring, and then he goes and proceeds to fight. I don’t like that. I never seen it actually go well for someone where they say they’re gonna retire, they go out there, they put on a performance of a lifetime, and they walk off in the sunset. Rarely do you see that. So, I don’t love that that’s the situation we’re going into. I’d rather Dustin been quiet about retirement and just go do his fight, and then maybe retire or something like that. But we’ll see, man. I don’t care who wins or lose that fight. I’m a fan of both of them.”
—Eddie Alvarez, Former UFC Lightweight Champion.
Alvarez’s criticism underscores the complex pressure athletes face when publicizing retirement plans, which might affect their competitive focus in the cage.
Historical Rivalry Between Poirier and Alvarez
Poirier and Alvarez have faced off twice previously, each contest adding weight to this narrative. Their first encounter at UFC 211 ended in a no-contest, following an illegal knee by Alvarez to a grounded Poirier, which referee Herb Dean stopped immediately. Their rematch at UFC on FOX 30 saw Poirier emerge victorious with a decisive second-round TKO. The fight highlighted high-level grappling exchanges, with Poirier attempting a guillotine choke and Alvarez utilizing a face crank attempt, but Poirier ultimately controlled the outcome.
Additional Criticism from Daniel Cormier on Retirement Mindset
Another former UFC champion and respected analyst, Daniel Cormier, shared his reservations about Poirier’s pre-fight retirement statements. Cormier remarked,
“I don’t love that there’s so many references to, ‘My last chance or my last dance. I’m not committing to retirement.’ It’s like, if you have any desire to fight, you have to be so in the fight that there is no thought of what comes next. I don’t love that. I just don’t love that.”
—Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Champion. Cormier highlighted that retirement should carry a sense of freedom from competition pressures such as weight cuts and fight preparations, and that a fighter’s focus should remain undiluted during their active career.
Dustin Poirier’s Vision for His Life After MMA
Although Poirier plans to retire at 36, he intends to remain involved in the MMA community, particularly as an analyst. He has expressed no interest outside the fighting world and wants to continue contributing his insight and experience. Speaking to Mike Bohn, Poirier said,
“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’m good. My family’s good. I want to get out of (the sport) with my faculties and be able to speak and work the (analyst) desk, be healthy for my daughter and my future kids. I just think it’s time. After 18 years, 19 years in this sport, fighting tooth and nail, bleeding every week, I think it’s a responsible decision and respect to the sport.”
—Dustin Poirier, UFC Fighter. His desire to remain healthy and present for his family motivates his retirement timing and future ambitions.
Poirier’s MMA career includes 30 UFC fights, with notable victories over fighters such as Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez. In his two previous matches against Max Holloway, Poirier won both: the first by triangle armbar submission and the second by unanimous decision. Their upcoming bout will be critical in defining Poirier’s legacy and marking the conclusion of his fighting career.
Implications of Poirier’s Final Fight Against Holloway
The trilogy fight between Poirier and Holloway serves as a significant moment for both fighters. It not only represents the close of Poirier’s competitive journey but also offers a major spectacle for the MMA community. The BMF belt adds stakes to a bout that is already steeped in personal and professional history. The manner in which Poirier approaches this fight, despite his announced retirement, could influence his performance and the final impression he leaves on the sport.
With voices like Eddie Alvarez and Daniel Cormier cautioning against a distracted mindset, the fight’s outcome could embody more than just a competition; it might demonstrate how mental preparedness weighs against career closure ambitions. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see whether Poirier can complete his farewell on his own terms or if the pressure and mixed signals surrounding retirement will affect his performance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. By 2025, Poirier’s net worth is expected to be $10 million. He has wisely invested his money in major endorsement deals with brands like Venum. Through “The Good Fight Foundation,” Poirier also supports charitable work to help disadvantaged communities.