Dustin Poirier’s Final Opponent—Who Will Get the Retirement Fight?

In the interview, Poirier named some of his favorite fighters to watch, saying, “Topuria, Gaethje, Hooker... I’m not a huge fan of him, but Michael Chandler. Anytime he fights, I’ll watch.” 

Here’s who we think should stand across the octagon from “The Diamond” for his farewell fight! 

Ilia Topuria

Dana White recently announced that UFC featherweight champion Ilia “El Matador” Topuria is vacating his belt and moving up to lightweight. While rumors are swirling about whom Topuria’s first opponent in the new weight class may be, MMA fans are clamoring for Dana to match him up with The Diamond. 

 The matchup would be a treat for fans, as both fighters compete with a boxing-heavy style and are not afraid to put on a show. 

Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker has rejuvenated his career as of late by moving back into the lightweight division and winning his last three fights. 

Poirier defeated Hooker in the octagon back in 2020 in an empty UFC Apex, and both delivered a performance that deserved a crowd. 

Hooker is scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje at UFC 313, so the timing for Poirier’s retirement fight may be off depending on the damage he sustains in that fight. 

Justin Gaethje

Gaethje and Poirier currently have one win over each other, and a trilogy fight between the two would be a fitting end to the chapter of their rivalry in Poirier's storied career. 

 While his last effort against Gaethje ended in a brutal head-kick KO loss, Poirier has bounced back into the win column sooner than Gaethje, who himself suffered a buzzer-beater KO loss to Max Holloway. 

Max Holloway

Speaking of Max Holloway, the Hawaiian is 0-2 against Poirier, and he recently lost to Topuria after the Spaniard knocked him out for the first time in his career. 

Despite these setbacks, Holloway has improved significantly since their last showdown, and his BMF title fight with Gaethje gave us an idea of what a healthy, lightweight version of Holloway looks like.