Dustin Poirier is set to retire from mixed martial arts at UFC 318, where he will compete against Max Holloway in Louisiana. While many MMA fighters have transitioned to boxing, especially to face Jake Paul, Poirier has clarified that he will not be pursuing a boxing match with the YouTuber-turned-boxer after his final UFC fight.
After suffering a submission loss to Islam Makhachev last year, Poirier had initially considered retiring, but chose to extend his career for one more bout close to home. As he prepares for this final chapter, speculation emerged about his potential future in the crossover boxing world, a domain that has attracted several MMA veterans recently.
Reasons Behind Poirier’s Decision to Avoid a Boxing Bout with Jake Paul
During an interview on The Danza Project podcast, Poirier directly addressed questions about entering the boxing ring against Jake Paul. He acknowledged Paul’s commitment to his boxing career, both in training and promotion, and expressed respect for what Paul has achieved in the sport.
However, Poirier emphasized the physical mismatch that deters him from considering such a fight. He remarked,
“But I’ve been around Jake a couple times, he’s a lot bigger than me, by a good bit,”
explaining that this size difference would be a significant disadvantage.
For Poirier, retirement means stepping away from competition completely rather than returning for what he referred to as a “sideshow payday-type of fight,” making it clear that a match with Paul is not in his plans.
The Respectful Relationship Between Poirier and Jake Paul Amid Boxing Discussions
Although many in the MMA community have criticized Jake Paul’s rise in boxing, Dustin Poirier has maintained a respectful stance. He is not among the detractors who openly challenge Paul’s legitimacy in combat sports.
This mutual respect was highlighted after UFC 257, when Paul sent Poirier a $100,000 chain featuring a figurine of Conor McGregor. This gift came after Poirier delivered a stunning knockout to McGregor, a moment that gained significant attention across combat sports fans and media alike.
Looking Ahead: Poirier’s Final UFC Bout and Future Prospects
Dustin Poirier’s final UFC fight at UFC 318 against Max Holloway is poised to be an important moment in his career, as it marks the end of his tenure in MMA with the opportunity to claim a symbolic BMF title. His decision to avoid a boxing match with Jake Paul reflects his careful consideration of his legacy and physical well-being beyond the cage.
While Poirier’s departure may close the door on any crossover boxing ventures with Paul, his respectful attitude towards the evolving combat sports landscape highlights the complex relationships among fighters transitioning between disciplines.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. By 2025, Poirier’s net worth is expected to reach $10 million. He wisely manages his money, earning significant endorsements from brands like Venum. Additionally, he supports underprivileged communities through his charity, “The Good Fight Foundation.”