Israel Adesanya expressed steadfast support for Dustin Poirier ahead of Poirier’s last professional fight, scheduled for UFC 318 this Saturday. The lightweight veteran, known as “The Diamond,” will face Max Holloway in a highly anticipated rematch, marking the end of his distinguished career. Adesanya emphasized Poirier’s significant legacy, especially highlighting the former interim lightweight champion‘s accomplishments in the Octagon.
Shared Interim Championship History and MMA Credentials
Both Adesanya and Poirier hold the distinction of having been interim champions on the same night back in 2019. Poirier earned the interim lightweight title by defeating Max Holloway at UFC 236, a victory etched into MMA history. On that very night, Israel Adesanya also captured the interim middleweight belt by besting Kelvin Gastelum in a fight later deemed a Hall of Fame classic. While Adesanya unified his title and defended it multiple times, Poirier was unsuccessful in unifying his championship against Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Despite this, Adesanya strongly rejects any attempt to diminish Poirier’s status as a champion.
Adesanya Affirms Poirier’s Championship Status and Career Excellence
Dustin’s been the guy in the UFC that’s always a company man,
Adesanya said on his YouTube channel.
Whenever it’s time to toe the line in battle, he’s a guy that’s always ready to go. Hard worker, represents his people of Lafayette, Louisiana, he’s always represented his people, he’s always represented himself well. Carries himself as a champion.
—Israel Adesanya
And I’ve always said this as well because people try and try to discredit his win as a champion. He is a champion no matter what. He’s got a belt at his house, at his gym, sitting there to represent him as a champion at one point. So people who are trying to say, ‘Oh, you never really became the undisputed.’ No, when you’re the interim champion you’re the [expletive] champion. He’s had a career in the UFC that’s second to none. You’d be blessed to have the career, even half the career that Dustin’s had in the UFC.
—Israel Adesanya
Adesanya’s remarks underscore Poirier’s perseverance and professionalism inside the sport, affirming that his interim championship is a true title and that his career achievements stand among the best in UFC history.
Dustin Poirier’s Impressive Victories and Accolades
Since debuting in UFC competition in 2011, Dustin Poirier has compiled an extensive list of victories over some of the sport’s biggest names. His wins include two triumphs over Conor McGregor, two wins against Max Holloway, and victories over Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, Jim Miller, Michael Chandler, and Dan Hooker. This impressive record shows Poirier’s ability to consistently overcome elite opponents.
In addition to his competitive success, Poirier has earned 15 UFC performance bonuses, including a remarkable 10 Fight of the Night awards. His bout with Gaethje in 2018 garnered MMA Fighting’s Fight of the Year honors, and his rematch with Holloway in 2019 was also considered a top contender for the award, despite sharing the same card as Adesanya vs. Gastelum.
Adesanya’s Tactical Analysis of Poirier vs. Holloway
Israel Adesanya offered a detailed prediction overview for the UFC 318 main event, recognizing Max Holloway’s potential to finish the fight with striking power, while also acknowledging Poirier’s resilience and strategic adaptability. Adesanya suggested Poirier might need to diversify his approach, notably by incorporating takedowns or threats thereof, to unsettle Holloway and secure a third win in their rivalry.
Lightweight Max I still think can knock out Dustin Poirier, and Dustin has taken Max’s best shots in the past and keep going forward,
Adesanya noted.
This time could be different. I would advise that for Dustin. Max, however, fight smart. Fight at range, fight on the edge of Dustin’s range. Be in his face, but don’t let him just walk forward without paying. Don’t let him just walk forward without eating something. Dustin just has to mix up the takedowns or even threaten the takedowns to keep Max guessing.
—Israel Adesanya
Respecting Poirier’s Career Finale Without Picking Sides
Despite his analysis, Adesanya refrained from making any definitive predictions about the fight’s outcome, emphasizing his desire to witness the moment as a fan and honor Poirier’s career achievements. Fighting in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, Poirier’s retirement bout represents a poignant chapter in his storied journey.
This is Dustin’s last fight, Adesanya reflected. I’m not going to pick anyone in this fight because it’s not about that. I just feel like a guy like Dustin, he’s done so much for the game, so much for his people. … In Louisiana, finishing his career in the town he started in, what a storybook ending to a career. Whether he wins or loses, this is going to be one for the books, and I’m going to feel something when he puts those gloves down, regardless of the results.
Adesanya Shares Personal Memories from UFC 236 Night
To further highlight his connection with Poirier, Adesanya recounted their backstage interactions on the night they both won interim titles. He described Poirier as a relatable and down-to-earth figure, contrasting his candid personality during weight cuts with the respectful demeanor shown to the public.
I’m also honored to be able to say we won our belts on the same night. I even cut weight with him and that was when I kind of realized Dustin’s a foul-mouthed dude. He’s a lad. On TV, he’s very respectful and whatnot, but he’s just a lad. One of the boys. We were talking about some shit in the weight cuts. You know, when you start cutting weight, you start getting delirious and just talking shit. This is feel-good for me because Max is my boy, Dustin’s that guy, and it’s going to be a great fight.
—Israel Adesanya
Upcoming UFC and MMA Updates Beyond UFC 318
While the spotlight remains on Poirier’s farewell fight, several other developments have emerged in the MMA world. Jon Jones has announced plans to return in 2026 to compete for the UFC heavyweight title, generating excitement among fans. Paulo Costa has also expressed interest in facing Khamzat Chimaev while asking Chimaev not to contact his girlfriend, adding drama to the heavyweight division.
Elsewhere, key figures continue to make headlines: PFL lightweight champion Timur Khizriev was reportedly targeted with rubber bullets in Russia, and MMA legend Randy Couture is recuperating at home after a serious car accident while training for a race. Prospects like Dakota Ditcheva are preparing for significant showdowns at PFL Africa, highlighting the sport’s evolving landscape.
Anticipation Builds for UFC 318 and Its Main Event Hype
Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the climactic clash between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, acknowledging the emotional and competitive gravity wrapped into the night. Media coverage and fighter commentary leading to UFC 318 have underscored the epic nature of Poirier’s final fight, amplifying its significance not only for the fighters but the entire MMA community.
Israel Adesanya’s vocal support for Poirier adds fuel to the anticipation, as the lightweight star finishes his career with a blend of fierce competition, heartfelt recognition, and one last chapter in the sport he helped shape.
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, securing big endorsement deals with companies like Venum. He also supports underprivileged communities through his charity, “The Good Fight Foundation.”