Dustin Poirier is making his first appearance in the UFC broadcast booth following his retirement, as he will serve as a desk analyst for the UFC 319 event scheduled on August 17 in Chicago. Known as ‘The Diamond,’ Poirier retired after his third fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318, but he is now shifting gears to provide expert commentary during the upcoming pay-per-view.
The UFC 319 card features a high-profile middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, giving Poirier a significant platform for his new role.
Details of Poirier’s Role and Confirmation of Appointment
According to MMA Junkie, Dustin Poirier will join the UFC 319 broadcast team as a desk analyst. On August 7, Poirier confirmed his involvement by enthusiastically retweeting the announcement, stating, “Let’s go!!!”. This role places him alongside other well-regarded former fighters such as Michael Chiesa, Michelle Waterson-Gomez, and Chael Sonnen who have previously contributed as analysts, helping to break down live fight action and engage viewers.
How Dustin Poirier Will Engage Audiences During UFC 319
Poirier’s responsibilities will include appearing on the post-fight show and providing analysis throughout the event broadcast. He will help fill air time in case of rapid fight conclusions or unexpected delays. His insight will target both seasoned fight fans and casual viewers by clarifying techniques, strategies, and key moments. The event will showcase eleven bouts, with the card subject to change. Notable matchups include:
- The middleweight title fight: (c) Dricus du Plessis versus Khamzat Chimaev
- Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico in the featherweight division
- Tim Elliott versus Kai Asakura fighting at flyweight
- Jared Cannonier facing Michael Page in a middleweight contest
- Welterweight bout between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates
- Alexander Hernandez battling Chase Hooper at lightweight
- Middleweights Nursulton Ruziboev and Bryan Battle
- Jessica Andrade versus Lupita Godinez in the strawweight division
- Gerald Meerschaert matched with Michal Oleksiejczuk at middleweight
- King Green taking on Diego Ferreira in a lightweight fight
- Edson Barboza versus Drakkar Klose at lightweight
Implications of Poirier’s Transition to Commentary
Dustin Poirier’s move to a UFC desk analyst role shortly after his fighting career highlights a versatile approach to remaining involved in the sport beyond active competition. This transition allows him to share firsthand expertise and deepen fan engagement through insightful commentary. With his reputation earned through hard-fought matches in the UFC’s lightweight division, Poirier’s presence in broadcasting is expected to enhance the quality of analysis for UFC 319 and future events.
The event in Chicago will also serve as an early indication of how former elite fighters like Poirier can influence the viewing experience, potentially shaping the UFC’s broadcast direction moving forward.