Dustin Poirier is preparing for his final fight in the UFC as he faces Max Holloway at UFC 318, and his coach, Mike Brown, has expressed concerns about the financial consequences his departure could mean for the promotion. Brown, head coach of American Top Team, highlighted Poirier’s status as one of the sport’s top draws, emphasizing that his retirement could negatively affect the UFC’s business.
In an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Brown said,
“I think it’s going to hurt the company. I think he is one of the biggest stars in sport, without a doubt. I don’t know all the metrics, but he is up there. He has got to be in the top two or three biggest draws, biggest stars when you’re talking about American pay-per-view. I think that’s where a lot of the money is made.”
—Mike Brown, American Top Team head coach
Brown also acknowledged that while the short-term financial impact might be significant, the UFC is likely to recover as new fighters rise to stardom and fill Poirier’s vacated spotlight.
“So, I don’t think financially it’s going to be that hard for the company. That’s the cycle, right? He will leave, and a new star will grow and fill that void. That’s the fight business.”
—Mike Brown, American Top Team head coach
Throughout his career, Poirier has generated strong pay-per-view numbers. Notably, his second and third fights against Conor McGregor ranked as the fifth and second best-selling pay-per-view events in UFC history. Heading into UFC 318, Poirier is a slight underdog at -102 odds, while Max Holloway is favored at -118.
Insight Into Poirier’s Signature Guillotine Choke Attempts
Fans have often witnessed Dustin Poirier’s persistent attempts to secure guillotine chokes, despite never succeeding in finishing a fight with this submission. This tendency, which sometimes compromises his positioning, has become a well-known aspect of his fighting style.
While Poirier’s team has frequently expressed frustration over his repeated guillotine attempts, his commitment to this strategy remains unwavering. Ahead of UFC 318, coach Mike Brown commented on the possibility of Poirier landing a guillotine finish.
“I would love for him to get it [a guillotine win]. That would be unbelievable. The thing is, I don’t think in this fight, I don’t think it’s on the cards… I mean, typically that takes a guy shooting on him. I don’t see Max taking a shot. I don’t see any gilly attempts in this one, unfortunately.”
—Mike Brown, American Top Team head coach
What Poirier’s Departure Means for the UFC’s Future
Dustin Poirier’s upcoming retirement marks the end of a chapter for the UFC, as he departs one of its most popular and financially valuable athletes. His bouts, especially those with Conor McGregor, have contributed immensely to the promotion’s revenue streams through high pay-per-view sales.
Though Mike Brown warns of a potential financial setback with Poirier’s exit, he also reassures that the nature of the sport ensures fresh talent will emerge to maintain the UFC’s commercial momentum. As the organization approaches UFC 318, where Poirier will conclude his fighting career, all eyes will be on how the company adapts to this transition and which new stars will rise in coming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. By 2025, Poirier’s wealth is expected to reach around $10 million. He has invested wisely, securing significant endorsement deals with companies like Venum. Through his “The Good Fight Foundation,” he also focuses on helping disadvantaged communities.