Islam Makhachev defends his title strap against Dustin Poirier in the UFC 302 headliner in Newark, N.J. If all goes to plan, Dustin Poirier expects to come out a victor, with the gold around his waist. If not, or even either way, he’s willing to exercise the notion that this might be his last fight ever.
In the latest episode of ‘The Fight Bananas Show LIVE,’ Dustin Poirier got candid with co-hosts David Van Auken, Elle Dawson, and Maddie Levine. The lightweight veteran mentioned doing this since 17 and wanted to “end the chapter.” When Dawson asked if he yet again had plans to retire, he indicated it.
When I hear that, I’m aligned with that... This is the last chapter...I wanna finish this story and close this book, you know, but nothing is guaranteed...It could be [retirement], I haven’t like made an official decision yet but it would be… Dustin Poirier via ‘The Fight Bananas Show LIVE’, (@FightBananasOfficial2 ) 4.30.24
Poirier can still compete with young and upcoming talents. He flipped the script in a 5-round co-main event at UFC 299 in Miami. Even before the scrap, he had mentioned wanting to be there for his family and that every fight could be his last. As such, the undisputed title remains his ultimate goal in the sport. Retirement is possible if he cannot capture it at UFC 302.
Alongside, he also faced and won against Conor McGregor at UFC 257 and 264 in big-money fights. McGregor boasts UFC’s top 10 official buyouts as the consensus PPV king. Hence, with big paydays, Poirier says he’s financially stable. When Elle Dawson yet again enquired if he had any other fights he wanted to hash out, he had some interesting notions.
Dustin Poirier wants to focus on family rather than take on legacy battles
Dustin Poirier recently appeared on ‘The Fight Bananas Show LIVE’ and made his long-term plans crystal clear. With 22 wins in UFC and years dedicated to pro-MMA, ‘Diamond’ is acclimating to the fact that UFC 302 could be his last.
The retirement talks are nothing new; he talked about it at the UFC 291 post-fight conference as well. Peers like Charles Oliveira , Micahel Chandler, and others have their takes on a worrisome outcome for the former interim champion. However, Poirier just wants to focus on being a better father after he clashes with Islam Makhachev. At this point in his career, he does not want to take up more legacy fights.
For those, legacy fights...we're 1-1 [with Justin Gaethje] ...Of course, it'll be nice to finish it. And anytime me and Gaethje are getting against each other, it's gonna be a big fight...it's gonna be a big pay-per-view, somebody is gonna get busted up...But, I have given this sports so much! Not only physically...my time...my focus...I wanna be with my family, I wanna be with my daughter...my wife, my foundation, businesses I have back home... Dustin Poirier via ‘The Fight Bananas Show LIVE’, (@FightBananasOfficial2 ) 4.30.24
Poirier has many ventures back home: Rare Stash bourbon, HOP WTR, his Louisiana-style “Hot sauce,” a Louisiana liquor store called Marcello’s, and his charity, “The Good Fight Foundation.” These businesses, his wife and his daughter, are what he wants to prioritize over other than his gargantuan fight records.
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