UFC star Dustin Poirier has had a lot of memorable fights and had two title shots for the first time about retirement in his head.
More than 14 years after his debut in the UFC and 16 removed from his first professional fight, Poirier will enter the Octagon for the last time on July 19.
After the loss of submission of Poirier to Islam Makhachev saw him failing the undisputed lightweight throne for the third time last summer, 'The Diamond' announced his plans for a final farewell in 2025.
And the Louisianan has been given his wish to have granted it close to home, because Poirier will lead UFC 318 against Max Holloway in the Smoothie King Center of New Orleans.
Although some believe that the former interim champion still has enough to offer as a hunter, it seems that the upcoming pension is far from a sudden decision for Poirier.
Colleague Louisianan Alan Jouban reveals how long Dustin Poirier has been thought
During a recent performance on the Bohnfire -Podcast with Mike Bohn, former hunter Alan Jouban looked ahead to Poirier's last outing as a hunter at UFC 318.
'Brahma' has been trained with and in their home town of Lafayette for years and has had an eye on the last part of the octagonal career of the fan favorite.
Perhaps surprisingly, Jouban revealed that 'The Diamond' hinted for the first time during retirement in the aftermath of his Conor McGregor Trilogy Fight in 2021, for his second and third undisputed title shots.
“I moved back to Lafayette four years ago and I immediately went to the gym and connected Dustin,” said Jouban. “I knew that I wanted to train with him, hang out, talk about fighting; only two boys from the same city leading a similar lifestyle.
“Since I moved back home, he has suggested on retirement after the fight of Conor McGregor. He has suggested it all the time.
“Every fight he would win or lose, he says,” I might have another one, “Jouban added.” I really think Dustin would have retired long ago if these opportunities would not keep coming.
“He can fight Conor twice in a row, the biggest payers of his career. He is fighting the belt against Charles Oliveira. … Another title fight comes against Islam.
“It felt for me that he was trying to retire in the last five years, he just couldn't! The fights were getting bigger, better and more profitable.”
Islam Makhachev supports Dustin Poirier for a winning farewell to UFC 318
The man who goes down as Poirier's penultimate opponent in the UFC is convinced that the 36-year-old will not end his career on a losing skid.
Makhachev recently predicted a victorious conclusion for the Stint van Poirier as an active hunter Come Fight Night on UFC 318.
The Dagestani also showed his respect for the man he submitted in June 2024 and called him alongside Alexander Volkanovski as the two former opponents with whom he communicates.
“I think Dustin will win,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie. “He told me that this is his last fight, and I think he will be ready for it … He's going to win, I think.
“Dustin is a very good guy. I respect two boys from my opponents: Volkanovski and Dustin. They are really nice guys. I send them messages.”