“It looks like my retirement fight is getting closer to happening this summer in New Orleans,” Dustin Poirier told The Schmo today. “A pay-per-view in New Orleans this summer would be incredible. That’s what I’m pushing for, that’s what the UFC is working toward, and things are coming together. Laying down the gloves where it all started in Louisiana would be an honor for me.” The former interim champ expressed his fervent desire to close out his career in his home state after his heroics at UFC 302 against Islam Makhachev for the strap.
Despite opening a deep cut on the Dagestani’s forehead, Poirier ultimately fell short, losing via a fifth-round D’Arce choke. Initially, he hinted at retirement, but within days, he reconsidered. Then, in October, while speaking to Ariel Helwani, ‘The Diamond’ expressed interest in returning for “uno más or dos más”—but only under one condition: the fight had to take place in Louisiana, either Lafayette or New Orleans. His goal was clear, “I want to lay down the gloves where I started.”
Now, with the 155lbs boogeyman seemingly set for a summer return, the biggest question is—who will be his final opponent? Adding to the intrigue, flyweight GOAT Demetrious Johnson joined Poirier in New Orleans today for the 25th Anniversary of the Celebrity Sweat Flag Football Charity Match.
After the event, DJ sat down with The Schmo, who asked him who he would pick as Poirier’s farewell opponent. ‘Mighty Mouse’ floated names like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje, stating, “Dustin (Poirier) can fight anybody… He can fight Arman Tsarukyan. He can fight you know Justin Gaethje. Yeah, I mean every single time Dustin Poirier fights, it’s always going to be a banger. Dustin goes out there and pulls his shorts up [Johnson mimicks Dustin]”
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 13: Dustin Poirier reacts after defeating Max Holloway in their interim lightweight championship bout during the UFC 236 event at State Farm Arena on April 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The MMA community is well aware that when Poirier adjusts his hair and pulls his shorts mid-fight, hell is about to be raised. Among the names mentioned, one that continues to stand out is Justin Gaethje. Given their similar career trajectories and deep-rooted rivalry, a trilogy bout seems like the ideal way for Poirier to conclude his decade-long MMA journey. The two warriors have already clashed twice. Once in 2018 and again in 2023—each securing a victory, leaving their series tied at 1-1.
With that in mind, a third and “Last Dance” would not only settle the score but also provide ‘The Diamond’ with a fitting end to his legendary career. After all, what better way to walk away from the sport than by facing a familiar foe in an all-or-nothing battle?
Who does Dustin Poirier want as his last opponent?
“Trilogy,” Dustin Poirier posted on X last year, subtly hinting at a potential third clash. For those paying close attention, the message was clear—he had Justin Gaethje in mind. Then, just a month later, the Louisiana native made his intentions even clearer on The Ariel Helwani Show. He revealed that he wanted one or two more fights before hanging up his gloves. When asked about potential opponents, he didn’t hesitate, saying, “I want the hardest guys I can get. You know, Justin Gaethje.”
However, the former BMF title holder wasn’t the only name on Poirier’s radar. In addition to Gaethje, he also mentioned Dan Hooker, acknowledging the demand for a rematch and stating, “Asking for Dan Hooker. I want to have hard fights. I’m not trying to avoid getting beat up; I want to fight. It’s just about availability and the time frame. We’ll see.” Now, with Dustin Poirier’s retirement looming, the question remains—who will be his final opponent?
Will it be Gaethje in a highly anticipated trilogy? Or perhaps Dan Hooker in a rematch? Alternatively, could it be something even bigger? Like a showdown with UFC megastar Conor McGregor to settle their unfinished business from UFC 264? Who do you think Poirier should face in his farewell fight? Drop your opinion below!
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