After retiring from professional fighting, Dustin Poirier has announced his new career direction, focusing on sportscasting to stay connected with MMA. Known as “The Diamond,” Poirier made the announcement earlier this week, sparking excitement among his fans about his professional future beyond the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC octagon.
His experience in broadcasting is not entirely new, as Poirier previously served as an analyst alongside former MMA fighter Chael Sonnen during UFC 314 on ESPN. This role highlighted his analytical skills and helped ease his transition from fighter to commentator.
Former UFC Fighters Who Successfully Transitioned to Broadcasting
Poirier joins a growing list of ex-UFC athletes such as Daniel Cormier, Alan Jouban, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder, who have moved into commentary and analyst roles after their fighting careers. These shifts demonstrate how retired fighters can leverage their knowledge of the sport into new opportunities within the industry.
On his social media platform X, Poirier shared his enthusiasm about returning to the ESPN desk, saying,
“Looking forward to getting back on the ESPN desk, going to start focusing on that now.”
— Dustin Poirier
This announcement triggered various reactions from fans online, reflecting a range of opinions about his new path in sportscasting.
“He has seen that DC money.”
— Social Media User
“He’s going to be great on the desk.”
— Social Media User
“For the sake of the sport, please nooooo.”
— Social Media User
Overview of Dustin Poirier’s Fighting Career and Legacy
The 36-year-old athlete from Louisiana recently concluded his fighting career with a unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318. Poirier finished with a professional MMA record of 30 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no contest, achieving victories over notable opponents such as Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Anthony Pettis.
Known as a significant pay-per-view draw, Poirier’s bouts against McGregor rank among the top 10 highest-grossing UFC pay-per-views, underscoring his commercial impact on the sport. Despite never securing an undisputed UFC lightweight title, many regard him as one of the best fighters in that division’s history.
Poirier’s Reflections on Earlier Opportunities in Commentary
Before fully committing to sportscasting, Poirier once declined a commentary opportunity that eventually went to Paul Felder. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, he explained the reasons behind passing on the chance to start commentating on UFC’s feeder series, a role Felder later assumed.
“When Paul Felder got his shot, what was it, Dana White Looking for a Fight or [Dana White’s] Contender Series? He was like one of the guys on there. That was how he started. I’m pretty sure they offered me that spot to come in and give it a test run… but I had a buddy of mine… who was fighting a kickboxing fight… just for charity and for fun. I had already told him I was going to corner him before the UFC called and offered me this sit-in gig as a commentator… and I think Paul Felder took it.”
— Dustin Poirier
Impact and Future Prospects in Broadcasting
Dustin Poirier’s move into sportscasting could allow him to maintain a strong presence in MMA while offering fans insightful commentary based on his extensive fighting experience. His transition follows the path of other successful UFC veterans who have shaped the way audiences understand the sport through broadcasting.
As “The Diamond” prepares for his new chapter on ESPN, fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see how his insights and personality influence discussions around MMA events moving forward.