Petr Yan acknowledged the significance of Dustin Poirier’s retirement following UFC 318, where Poirier concluded a remarkable career marked by intense battles and multiple title opportunities. The Russian fighter, while preparing for his upcoming bout at UFC Abu Dhabi, expressed deep respect for Poirier’s contributions to the sport and the challenges he faced throughout his tenure in the octagon.
Poirier’s career includes three title fights for undisputed UFC gold, securing an interim championship, and many memorable moments that earned him widespread admiration among fans. Yan highlighted the toughness and competitiveness that Poirier demonstrated, especially in his final fight against Max Holloway.
Yan Honors Poirier’s Dedication and Competitive Spirit
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Yan praised Poirier’s exciting fighting style and resilience. He noted the hard-fought nature of Poirier’s last contest and acknowledged the caliber of his opponent, Max Holloway. Yan said,
“I think it was a great and exciting fight. And speaking about Dustin, I think he had a great, amazing career. He had a lot of big fights, a lot of exciting fights. He’s been in a lot of wars, and of course, he wanted probably to go out on a win. But it’s just a sport, you know? His opponent, Max Holloway, is also an amazing athlete also deserves to win.” —Petr Yan, UFC Fighter
This tribute came as Yan prepared to face Marcus McGhee at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. McGhee, currently ranked 12th in the division, has been rapidly ascending with four consecutive UFC victories. Yan aims to secure another win to move closer to reclaiming a shot at UFC gold, following his unanimous decision triumph over Deiveson Figueiredo in November 2024.
Dustin Poirier’s Praise for Yan as UFC’s Top Boxer
Earlier in his career, Dustin Poirier publicly named Petr Yan as the best boxer in the UFC, a statement made during his preparations for a title fight against Charles Oliveira in 2021. This assessment contrasted with Max Holloway’s own claims to the same title, highlighting an ongoing debate about the sport’s top striking specialist.
Poirier admired Yan’s precision, efficiency, and movement inside the cage, emphasizing how those qualities set Yan’s boxing apart. Reflecting on Yan’s skills during an episode of The MMA Hour, Poirier stated,
“I think Petr Yan. Just the way he moves. He doesn’t waste a lot of movements. His positioning is always crisp. He’s never out of position. He doesn’t load up while he’s throwing clean power shots. Good accuracy works the body well, goes up, goes down. It’s just a lot of things that he does really, really well.” —Dustin Poirier, UFC Fighter
The Continuing Impact of Poirier’s UFC Legacy
Dustin Poirier’s retirement at UFC 318 marks the end of a significant chapter in UFC history, solidifying his place among the sport’s fiercest competitors. His journey through multiple title fights and high-profile matchups has left a lasting impression, influencing peers like Petr Yan and inspiring fans worldwide.
As Petr Yan prepares for his upcoming challenge in Abu Dhabi, the respect between fighters like Yan and Poirier underscores the competitive yet honorable spirit that drives the UFC. Poirier’s career highlights serve as a benchmark for excellence, while Yan’s pursuit of championship gold keeps the division’s excitement alive for fans anticipating the next era of contenders.