On July 19, 2025, the UFC returned to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, a decade after its last event in the city. This occasion was particularly meaningful as hometown hero Dustin Poirier prepared to retire in a main event battle against Max Holloway, vying for the iconic BMF belt. Poirier’s final fight marked the end of a prolific career that, despite its many highs, saw him come agonizingly close to UFC gold without ever securing the lightweight championship. His journey embodies resilience, as he fiercely contested numerous top-tier fighters while carrying the hopes of Louisiana’s MMA fans.

Challenges in Championship Fights: The Grappling Barrier

Dustin Poirier’s championship bouts reveal the technical and stylistic hurdles that prevented him from capturing the UFC lightweight title. His style, characterized by relentless forward pressure and precise striking, confronted difficulties against elite grapplers who exploited positional weaknesses near the cage. In his first undisputed title fight at UFC 242 against Khabib Nurmagomedov, despite a sturdy 68.4% takedown defense, Poirier was repeatedly taken down through well-executed single-leg trips and pressure tactics. Khabib’s control ultimately led to a third-round submission, leaving Poirier to regroup after a tough defeat.

Despite this setback, Poirier’s toughness shone through in subsequent battles. He endured a hard-fought five-round slugfest with Dan Hooker, where he absorbed multiple takedown attempts but showcased incredible durability. The patterns from his title fights reveal a persistent challenge dealing with top grapplers, especially when confined to the cage with limited lateral movement to reset positions.

His second title shot at UFC 269 saw him face Charles Oliveira. Poirier started strong, displaying improved takedown defense by stuffing all seven of Oliveira’s attempts in early rounds. However, a sudden shift allowed Oliveira to secure a rear-naked choke in the third round, handing Poirier another submission loss. This defeat underscored a recurring theme in his championship clashes: moments of brilliance punctuated by lapses that cost him the fight.

Later, Poirier’s bouts added complexity to his story. After a memorable knockout victory over Conor McGregor, he earned a chance to reclaim title glory against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. This fight arguably marked Poirier’s best wrestling display, defending 11 takedown attempts. Yet Makhachev prevailed with a fifth-round D’Arce choke, marking Poirier’s third consecutive submission defeat in a championship setting. These outcomes suggest that, while Poirier’s striking prowess is formidable, grappling specialists posed a persistent obstacle to his championship aspirations.

Dominance Outside Title Fights: A Different Side of ‘The Diamond’

While championship fights exposed vulnerabilities, Dustin Poirier’s performances outside the title spotlight demonstrated his exceptional talent and ability to overcome elite opponents. His striking skill set flourished when not burdened by the pressure of championship gold, highlighted by a remarkable winning streak that earned him a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov. This run included victories over UFC legends such as Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Max Holloway, affirming his position among the lightweight division’s elite.

Additionally, prior to his title fight with Charles Oliveira, Poirier amassed another notable winning streak. This included back-to-back wins against Conor McGregor, the first fighter to knock McGregor out twice in MMA, and a dominant victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. These wins not only cemented his skill and adaptability but also demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure in high-stakes fights.

His rematch against Justin Gaethje for the BMF title revealed a different dynamic, as he showed resilience and determination despite a painful head-kick loss. This fight, alongside his other non-title triumphs, displays a version of Poirier that thrives in the thick of competition, proving he belongs in the conversation among MMA’s best fighters of his era.

Set for One Last Title Shot Against Max Holloway at UFC 318

At UFC 318, Dustin Poirier prepared for his farewell fight facing Max Holloway, a rival he had defeated twice before, including during Holloway’s UFC debut in 2012 and later capturing the interim lightweight title at UFC 236. Their shared history adds layers of intensity to this final encounter, as Poirier seeks to claim the BMF belt and shed the label of the best lightweight who never won the official championship belt.

Unlike previous opponents, Holloway is less prone to grappling engagements, with a low submission attempt average, allowing Poirier to lean on his trademark aggressive striking. However, Holloway has evolved at lightweight, increasing his punching power and resilience. Notably, the impact of a recent fight at UFC 308, where Holloway’s chin was tested by lightweight champ Ilia Topuria, makes this clash an unpredictable battle of wills and durability.

Poirier’s preparation included dedicated wrestling training, reflecting lessons learned from his past title fights, and signaling potential takedown attempts or submission strategies that could surprise Holloway. This final bout thus represents more than just retirement—it is an opportunity to alter his narrative with a new kind of success.

Dustin Poirier’s UFC championship journey is a testament to grit, persistence, and the complexities of MMA at the highest level. While he may retire without the official lightweight belt, his legacy is richly woven through iconic battles against some of the sport’s most legendary figures, and his influence extends far beyond titles. The upcoming UFC 318 fight offers him a chance to close his career on a powerful note, proving that despite the setbacks, true greatness lies in the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?

A. By 2025, Poirier’s wealth is projected to be around $10 million. He has wisely invested his money, securing big deals with brands such as Venum. Additionally, through his “The Good Fight Foundation,” he supports efforts to help disadvantaged communities.

Q. How rich is Dustin Poirier?

A. Dustin Poirier is highly respected for his experience and toughness in fighting. He has earned a lot of money through hard work, talent, and wise business decisions. By 2025, Sportskeeda estimates his net worth to be about $6 million.