This Saturday, Dustin Poirier will make his final professional MMA walk as he headlines UFC 318, aiming for the BMF title in what is being billed as his last major battle. Known as ‘The Diamond,’ Poirier’s career has been marked by dramatic highs and lows, but his enduring rivalry with Conor McGregor remains a defining element that shaped his rise and star power. Throughout, Poirier has exemplified the principle of betting on himself to overcome setbacks and seize opportunity.

Overcoming Defeat and Reclaiming Respect in the Octagon

The story of Poirier’s rivalry with McGregor began at UFC 178 in 2014, where after an intense buildup, Poirier suffered a first-round knockout loss. That defeat represented a clear skill gap at the time and set the tone for the challenges he would endure in his journey. Despite this early setback, Poirier remained steadfast, honing his skills and building his career anew.

The opportunity for redemption presented itself years later at UFC 257 in January 2021. Fighting in a different weight class and with renewed determination, Poirier faced McGregor again and captured a pivotal victory. His manager, Rob Roveta, underscored the significance of the fight not only in athletic terms but in the mental resilience required. Poirier’s relentless self-belief and refusal to back down enabled him to rewrite their narrative.

“I would say that’s the most special fight of his career, …and my favorite in terms of the mental mountain he had to climb, …The hurdle you have to overcome to get one back like that against a guy that has been talking sh*t to you for years…and talked sh*t to you back then and still doing it now — It kind of felt the same way with Khabib [at 242]…It certainly felt like the bet was against us and they looked at him as a stepping stone to far greater plans [for star McGregor]; at least that’s the way it looked like.” —Rob Roveta, Manager

Heading into the UFC 257 rematch, Poirier faced significant hurdles outside the cage. Contract negotiations restricted his financial incentives, offering no pay-per-view shares or substantial bonuses. A trilogy clause was negotiated, promising immediate rematch rights and added perks only if he secured the win. Despite the challenging conditions, Poirier’s confidence never wavered.

Dustin Poirier’s Strategy of Betting on Himself and Mental Fortitude

From early in his career, Poirier recognized the importance of channeling emotion to fuel his performances. In 2015, speaking to SkySports, he acknowledged that fighting McGregor required emotional engagement to avoid fading into obscurity. His prediction of a knockout victory came true years later, cementing this mindset as part of his fighting DNA.

Beyond his own team, others recognize how Poirier’s victories over McGregor hold a unique place in MMA lore. His ability to conquer a longstanding rival under difficult conditions speaks volumes about his resolve and self-belief.

Family Perspective: The Disappointment Over UFC’s Championship Decisions

Poirier announced that UFC 318 would mark his farewell to professional MMA, after a tough title bid at 155 pounds a little over a year ago. His last fight will be against Max Holloway, the current BMF champion, in New Orleans, his home turf. Yet despite his achievements, Poirier leaves the sport without ever holding the undisputed lightweight championship.

This omission has not gone unnoticed by those closest to him. His wife, Jolie Poirier, publicly expressed frustration with UFC executives for not awarding Poirier the undisputed 155-pound title after his win over McGregor at UFC 257, especially since the belt was vacant at that time. She sees this as a missed opportunity by the promotion.

“There’s so many [and] it’s hard to choose from [career moments], …Probably seeing him win the belt against Max in 2019, then watching him knock out Conor in 2021 when everyone was looking past him. And he should’ve walked out with the undisputed 155 title that night since it was vacated lol #stillsalty” —Jolie Poirier, Wife

The sentiment Jolie expressed resonates with many fans and analysts, who believe UFC could have capitalized on the momentum generated by Poirier’s win against McGregor by promoting the fight for the undisputed lightweight title. Nevertheless, Poirier’s career has been defined by facing an incredibly tough roster of opponents, making his legacy secure despite the lack of undisputed gold.

Anticipation Builds for UFC 318 and Poirier’s Final Chapter

Now, as UFC 318 approaches, Poirier prepares to close the book on a notable and hard-fought career. His final hurdle against Max Holloway holds significant meaning not only as a contest for the BMF belt but also as a personal farewell in front of a home crowd in the Big Easy. The event represents the culmination of countless battles, including those thrilling exchanges with McGregor that captured the sport’s attention.

Poirier’s journey highlights the power of self-belief, resilience, and the willingness to challenge oneself against the odds. His story will continue to inspire fans and fighters alike, while the anticipation for how he caps off his career grows with each passing day.