Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Dustin Poirier confirms surprise next move a day after being removed from UFC roster

Originally posted on HITC | By Christopher De Santiago | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 9:32 AM ET

Dustin Poirier won’t be stepping too far away from the Octagon following his UFC retirement.

Poirier closed out his career at UFC 318, retiring after a unanimous decision defeat to BMF Champion Max Holloway in his home state of Louisiana.

He was one of the UFC’s most recognisable faces and among its highest earners. ‘The Diamond’ stopped Conor McGregor twice in a row in 2021 and took part in five title fights during his 41-fight run.

Just over a week after calling it a day, Poirier appears to have already decided on what he wants to do next.

Following retirement, Dustin Poirier is set to focus on a broadcasting career with ESPN

Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Back in April, Poirier made his debut as a desk analyst for ESPN during the UFC 314 broadcast, working alongside Chael Sonnen.

Plenty of former fighters have transitioned into broadcasting roles over the years. Alan Jouban and Michael Chiesa found regular spots at the desk, while others like Daniel Cormier and Paul Felder moved into commentary.

Poirier now seems ready to follow a similar path.

“Looking forward to getting back on the ESPN desk, going to start focusing on that now,” Poirier wrote on X on Thursday.

Looking forward to getting back on the ESPN desk going to start focusing on that now.
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) August 1, 2025

Poirier has fought much of the lightweight roster, giving him valuable insight as he goes from a fighter to a broadcaster. It’s clear that his experience inside the cage will add real depth to his analysis work going forward.

Dustin Poirier has already been removed from the UFC roster

Poirier was quickly removed from the UFC rankings after his retirement, dropping out of the top five where he had been a fixture for years.

The change was made on Wednesday, as fans sent farewell messages to ‘The Diamond’.

He is still considered one of the best lightweights in history, despite lacking a title.. His record speaks for itself, with wins over Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, Anthony Pettis, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler (Bellator).

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: