“You know, where I picked them up. I started fighting in Louisiana, I would love to retire here in Louisiana in the summer,” Dustin Poirier told TalkSports back in February. One of the baddest lightweights in UFC history is now set to make his final walk to the Octagon against Max Holloway at UFC 318. For one last time, he’ll have the chance to ride off into the sunset with a belt around his waist, in front of a roaring home crowd. But after that, we’ll never see those violent wars.
‘The Diamond’ was just 22 years old when he first stepped into the UFC, taking on Josh Grispi at UFC 125: Resolution. He had already built a reputation through wars in the WEC and Louisiana’s regional circuit, and it was clear he wasn’t going to slow down. Over the years, through countless battles with some of the sport’s greatest, Dustin Poirier earned more than just wins; he earned the badge of legend. Now, after 14 years of delivering golden highlights for the promotion, his trilogy bout with former featherweight king Max Holloway will mark the final chapter of his amazing career.
The Louisiana native is now 36 years old, and many believe it’s the right time to walk away, while his body and mind are still intact. Even UFC legend Michael Bisping has backed Poirier’s decision, calling it the right move. Bisping, who himself retired at 37, used his own experience to support Poirier’s choice to step away on his terms.
In the Bohnfire podcast, Bisping said: “I always walk way thinking what a great guy, what an awesome person. And then of course in the octagon he’s just phenomenal. And what is he? 36, 37? Something like that? It’s time to retire anyway, you’re a lightweight fighter. I retired at 37, it’s about that time. He’s been there for years and years. He made a lot of money, I think he has come to terms that he’s not gonna be the champion of the world. That’s what kept me going, because I hadn’t had my title fight and I could still think I could do this. Dustin, sadly for him, he has had a few opportunities and wasn’t able to do it.”
That’s a fair assessment by Bisping. Sure, there are exceptions, like Alexander Volkanovski, who broke the “35 and over” curse by becoming a two-time champ at 36. But for Poirier, climbing that ladder all over again was always going to be a tough ask. The lightweight division is shark-infested as it is, and making another run at the top at this stage would mean risking his health.
MMA: UFC 269-Oliveira vs Poirier, Dec 11, 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Dustin Poirier reacts following his loss by submission against Charles Oliveira during UFC 269 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports, 11.12.2021 21:40:42, 17343355, NPStrans, T-Mobile Arena, TopPic, Dustin Poirier, MMA, Charles Oliveira PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 17343355
Still, we’re not complaining about getting one last scrap before ‘The Diamond’ calls it quits. UFC 318 is shaping up to be an absolute spectacle. The main event alone, featuring two of the sport’s most coveted stars, is enough to light up the night. But that’s not all. The rest of the card is filling out with some seriously eye-catching matchups. Let’s take a look at that.
Exciting fights announced for the Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway card
Poirier and Holloway are definitely going to steal the show at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. But the whole card’s actually stacked. One fight that’s flying a little under the radar but has serious co-main event potential is Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen. You’ve got a former title challenger going up against a tough, well-rounded veteran—this one’s got fireworks written all over it.
The ladies are getting their spotlight, too. Amanda Ribas is set to take on Tabatha Ricci in a fun strawweight scrap. Then there’s a solid welterweight showdown between Neil Magny and Gunnar Nelson. It’s a nice change of pace to see both vets finally facing someone other than the usual wave of rising prospects. Also, Ikram Aliskerov will be making his return after smashing André Muniz with brutal ground and pound in his last fight. This time, he’s taking on Bruno Ferreira, who’s coming in hot after submitting Armen Petrosyan.
Vinicius Oliveira is set to make a statement at UFC 318, riding a three-fight win streak over Bernardo Sopaj, Ricky Simón, and Said Nurmagomedov. He’ll face Kyler Phillips, ranked #12 at bantamweight. A win here could boost him into the rankings. Also on the card, Jimmy Crute returns to face Marcin Prachnio in a 205 lbs bout, still chasing his first UFC win since 2020.
UFC 318 initially looked stacked with lightweights, but it’s shaping up to be a well-rounded card across multiple divisions, except for heavyweight, which hasn’t been announced yet. With Dustin Poirier headlining what could be his retirement fight, this event already feels special. What are your thoughts on ‘The Diamond’s’ last dance in the Octagon? Let us know in the comments below
The post Calling It “Time to Retire”, UFC Legend Backs Dustin Poirier’s Tough Decision Ahead of UFC Last Dance appeared first on EssentiallySports.
