Brendan Allen will fight close to home at UFC 318 in New Orleans this Saturday, a chance he attributes largely to Dustin Poirier’s influence. The event’s main attraction is Poirier’s retirement bout against Max Holloway, making it a significant moment for Louisiana’s MMA scene and offering Allen a coveted opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his local fans.
Allen Expresses Gratitude for Poirier’s Role in Bringing UFC to Louisiana
As a fellow Louisiana native, Allen was hopeful to compete on this card and received a grudge match against Marvin Vettori. He is openly thankful for the chance and willing to acknowledge Poirier’s substantial contributions to the sport, despite the awkwardness given his opponent’s connection to Poirier’s team.
Allen said,
“He’s done a lot for the sport, He’s done a lot for his community. He’s done a lot for fighting and a lot of people. I think he’s done got it back. He lives a great life from fighting, and he’s built it all himself, fight by fight. He’s been around a long time. He deserves everything he’s got. He’s worked really hard for it. I know what he comes from and he deserves it. He really deserves it.”
—Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight
He also added,
“I’m really happy for him and his family. I think everyone in Louisiana and everyone who loves MMA where we’re from should be thanking him right now. Because without him, we probably wouldn’t be coming to Louisiana. I would say and I have told him thank you for that. He’s with the [opposing] team so I can’t be saying too much.”
—Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight
Early Days: Sparring With Dustin Poirier as a Teenager
Though Allen and Poirier no longer train together, Allen vividly recalls their earlier years when Poirier was emerging as one of the top prospects in the South. Allen was just a teenager then, still learning the ropes of MMA, while Poirier was on the brink of his WEC debut or had just entered the organization.
Allen recounted,
“I was already training at a different gym, and he was training at a different gym, Dustin and my friend Kurt were the two biggest guys in the whole south at the time. So they wanted them to train together. I think Dustin was right around the point where he had one WEC fight or was just about to be signed to WEC. It was somewhere around that time. Kurt just asked me to go with him and I went.”
—Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight
During one intense sparring session, Allen found himself thrown headfirst into the deep end against Poirier, who hit him with a force that immediately taught Allen a tough lesson about the realities of training.
He described the moment,
“I was sparring, trying to watch them spar because they were having a hell of a sparring session. Then it was live gos starting from guard against the wall and man they said go and he hit me so hard. It was like a live drill but you start in guard and he hit me so hard. I’m like f*ck man, I’m just a kid. We ain’t little no more. That shit ain’t going to happen again.”
—Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight
Lessons From a Harsh Sparring Environment
Allen explains that during those years, harsh and demanding sparring sessions were the norm. Fighters took a more physical approach to training, often resembling real fights, unlike the safer, more strategic methods common today.
Reflecting on how young fighters were treated, Allen said,
“That was my whole upbringing at the beginning, just trying with guys that are 25, 26, 27 [years old] and I’m 14, 15, 16 years old. It’s way different than nowadays, I can tell you that. It’s way different.”
—Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight
Despite the challenges, Allen acknowledges how those intense sessions with Poirier and others shaped his approach and toughness as a fighter.
Respecting Poirier’s Legacy and Wishing Him Well in Retirement
Now sharing the UFC roster with Poirier, Allen appreciates the significant legacy Poirier has left, not only within the sport but also for the Louisiana MMA community. He hopes Poirier enjoys a rewarding retirement after an accomplished career.
Allen expressed,
“At the end of the day, everything aside, I’m super happy for him and his family, He’s earned every single thing he has right now. So many fighters would kill to have that and he’s done it. No matter what happens, the man has made a great life for himself by punching people in the face. You can’t ask for anything more than that.”
—Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. Dustin Poirier’s net worth is predicted to be $10 million in 2025. He has wisely managed his wealth by securing big endorsement deals with brands like Venum. Additionally, he supports underprivileged communities through his charity, “The Good Fight Foundation.”