As Dustin Poirier prepares to make his farewell appearance in the Octagon this July at UFC 318, Daniel Cormier isn’t just reflecting on the Louisiana native’s illustrious career—he’s sounding the alarm on something greater. “It really is the end of an era,” he says, and Cormier’s words evoke more than nostalgia. The UFC lightweight division has long been the pinnacle of chaos and glory, and its golden era is fading away, one fighter at a time. With Khabib Nurmagomedov long retired, Conor McGregor out partying, and Justin Gaethje also contemplating retirement, Poirier’s final fight in New Orleans feels like a farewell not only to him but to a whole chapter of UFC history. But does Tony Ferguson also make the list of MMA GOATs?
On his YouTube channel, ‘DC’ makes a compelling case that Tony Ferguson must be remembered as we reflect on this era. Even though his career ended tragically, his 12-fight winning streak during the division’s most competitive years was nothing short of legendary. Ferguson was the epitome of chaos—unpredictable, unstoppable, and unbreakable. His triumphs over Edson Barboza, Anthony Pettis, and Donald Cerrone were more than simply victories; they were wars that defined what made this weight class so compelling to watch on television. Yes, he was simply an interim champion, as were Dustin Poirier and Gaethje. Titles were not the only currency in this era; heart, violence, and legacy were all as valued.
The UFC commentator said, “Tony Ferguson, at a point, was as valuable to this group of fighters as any of the others. Even if he was an interim champ—not the world champ. Dustin Poirier wasn’t, Justin Gaethje wasn’t. They were interim champions.” Ferguson’s fall from grace—eight consecutive losses before leaving the UFC in 2025—does not change what he meant. If anything, his determination to continue active even as the defeats mounted up proves how much he gave to the sport. Daniel Cormier’s rallying cry isn’t a pity eulogy for a fallen fighter; it’s a reminder that Ferguson, like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, embodied this era.
June 18, 2022, Austin, Texas, Austin, TX, United States: AUSTIN, TX – JUNE 18: Former UFC Champion Daniel Cormier during the UFC Fight Night: Kattar v Emmett event at Moody Center on June 18, 2022 in Austin, Texas, United States. Austin, Texas United States – ZUMAp175 20220618_zsa_p175_101 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
So, as ‘The Diamond’ prepares to meet Max Holloway in what is claimed as the concluding chapter of his illustrious career, a strange emotional weight hangs over the event. Not simply because of what Dustin Poirier means to his home fans in Louisiana, but also because of what his departure represents. The division is now turning to names like Arman Tsarukyan, Islam Makhachev, and Paddy Pimblett—all great, but missing the shared heritage that made the previous decade so memorable. Daniel Cormier’s words hit home: we were fortunate to witness it, but there’s no denying it now. This marks the end of the road. Now, it will be important to see if ‘The Diamond’ leaves the UFC with a win, and that seems like a herculean task. At least, as per Chael Sonnen.
Daniel Cormier’s buddy Chael Sonnen reveals Dustin Poirier’s home disadvantage
The emotional significance of Dustin Poirier’s farewell fight is undeniable, but while Daniel Cormier focused on the symbolic end of an era, his podcast partner Chael Sonnen took a different approach. ‘The American Gangster,’ the contrarian realist, sees more than just a storybook departure in Louisiana. He sees pressure. The type that comes not just from competing against Max Holloway for the BMF title, but from carrying the dreams, expectations, and memories of an entire state on your shoulders. Sonnen believes Poirier fights more than just Holloway; he is fighting every favor, interview request, family friend who wants a free ticket, and local who expects nothing less than a perfect conclusion.
“It’s a home field disadvantage,” Sonnen openly stated. And, truthfully, he could have a point. When your own people are watching, the spotlight shines brighter. Everyone ‘The Diamond’ has made proud in Lafayette will be there. From high school friends to neighborhood gym rats, they’ll be waiting—not to cheer, but to judge. To see if the legend they believed in had enough left to win. And when ‘The American Gangster’ discusses the invisible weight of keeping promises and balancing legacy, it’s easy to think Dustin Poirier’s hardest battle may not even take place inside the Octagon.
Nonetheless, there’s no doubting that the UFC handed Poirier the closest thing to a storybook ending. A third fight with Holloway—a man he’s defeated twice before—seems tailor-made for the story to conclude on a high note. Even Chael Sonnen recognized that ‘The Diamond’ has the potential to win this. He’s grateful for the matchup, even calling it a “dream” to retire in his home state, hoping to walk out to Lil Wayne and lay down his gloves right where it all started. But if this is the end of an era, this fight is the exclamation point. What do you think? Will Poirier be able to win his final fight? Let us know in the comments.
The post “It Really Is the End”: Daniel Cormier Rallies for Tony Ferguson, Gives Grim Reality Check Over Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway Trilogy appeared first on EssentiallySports.
