Dustin Poirier teases retirement following loss at UFC 302

Dustin Poirier. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Dustin Poirier teases retirement following his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302

By Eric Hayrapetian | Last updated Jun 2, 2024 4:54 PM ET

After his defeat at UFC 302, Dustin Poirier hinted at the idea of retirement.

"I know I can compete with the best of these guys. It's just if I do fight again, what am I fighting for? Just to fight? I've done that 50 times." Poirier told Joe Rogan (h/t UFC Europe). "I think this could be it, honestly."

In what turned out to be a war against Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound king and defending lightweight champion, Poirier's third and presumably last chance at UFC gold ended with Poirier unconscious following a D'arce choke midway through the fifth round.

The best in the world ‍@MAKHACHEVMMA remains the lightweight champion with a submission victory! #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/LpSwj8PH0T
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024

The former interim UFC lightweight champion is widely regarded as the greatest UFC fighter to never hold an undisputed title.

Despite never reaching the peak of the mountain, Poirier boasts a resume unlike any other. His UFC debut took place 13 years ago, a testament to his longevity. With victories over the likes of Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, Conor McGregor (twice) and Max Holloway (twice), 'The Diamond' has nothing left to prove. His championship status may not be official, but in the hearts of many MMA fans around the world, he will always be a champion.

The 35-year-old has left an indelible mark on the MMA community and will likely find himself inducted into the hall of fame. His name floods the UFC record books, with the third most knockouts (11), the fourth most wins (22) and finishes (15), the fifth most knockdowns (14) and the eighth most significant strikes landed (1,752).

"It's up to [Poirier if he wants to retire]. He knows what he wants and doesn't want. He knows how he felt. He knows how he feels right now. That's all up to him. Listen, he's a star. He can stay around here as long as he wants to," UFC CEO Dana White said.

Whether or not Poirier decides to hang up the gloves or not, the UFC will forever hold a spot for the Louisiana product. As it stands, Poirier holds a professional MMA record of 30-9 (22-8 UFC).

Eric Hayrapetian

Eric Hayrapetian is a lifelong Angeleno who grew up spoiled with championship success. Watching greatness from his living room was not enough, he wanted to be a part of it, so he began writing. The aspiring sports journalist currently attends the University of California, Berkeley where he continuously advances his media skills

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