Dustin Poirier, the delight of Lafayette, Louisiana, has confirmed what MMA followers have lengthy dreaded: win or lose, his July nineteenth conflict with Max Holloway at UFC 318 will probably be his closing stroll to the Octagon. The announcement is as heartfelt as it’s seismic. Poirier’s determination is rooted not simply within the put on and tear of 19 years within the cage however within the pleasure of household, as he and his spouse await the arrival of their child boy.
“That is the final one. 19 years in, man. Had my first cage struggle in 2007… my spouse’s pregnant proper now… my spouse’s pregnant with a boy. So there’s rather a lot occurring, man,” Poirier shared, his phrases echoing throughout the MMA world and signaling the tip of an period.
Dustin Poirier confirms he’s retiring after UFC 318 and divulges he has a child boy on the best way 🥹
“That is the final one. 19 years in, man. Had my first cage struggle in 2007… my spouse’s pregnant proper now… my spouse’s pregnant with a boy. So there’s rather a lot occurring, man.” pic.twitter.com/P5y8AAZzwW
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) June 17, 2025
UFC 318, set in New Orleans’ Smoothie King Middle, is extra than simply one other PPV; it celebrates Poirier’s legacy and a high-octane send-off in opposition to a well-recognized foe. Max Holloway, the BMF champion and former featherweight king, stands throughout from Poirier for the third, and sure closing, time, with the “Baddest Motherf***er” belt on the road. Their rivalry is storied: Poirier submitted a younger Holloway of their 2012 featherweight debut, then outdueled him in a five-round battle for the interim light-weight title in 2019. Now, with the collection at 2-0 for Poirier, Holloway seeks redemption, and Poirier seeks closure in entrance of his residence crowd.
UFC CEO Dana White has clarified that UFC 318 is Poirier’s evening. “He has achieved an incredible deal on this sport. To be trustworthy, this occasion is for him. He expressed a want to have his closing struggle in New Orleans, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” White stated. The cardboard, although criticized for missing depth, is anchored by this most important occasion, which guarantees fireworks and emotion in equal measure. For Poirier, the prospect to retire in Louisiana, the place his journey started, is a becoming bookend to a outstanding profession.
From Lafayette to Legend: The Poirier Story
Poirier’s skilled journey started in 2007, and by 2009 he was already making waves, racking up seven finishes in his first seven fights. He entered the UFC in 2011, shortly establishing himself as a fan favourite because of his relentless fashion and willingness to embrace chaos. His first UFC most important occasion got here in opposition to “The Korean Zombie,” Chan Sung Jung, in a Battle of the Night time battle that, regardless of ending in defeat, solely cemented his popularity for coronary heart and grit.
Article Continues Under
Poirier’s profession is a testomony to resilience. He rebuilt after robust losses, moved up from featherweight to light-weight, and launched into a run that noticed him topple legends like Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Conor McGregor. His 2019 interim light-weight title win over Holloway stands as a profession spotlight, and although the undisputed gold eluded him in battles with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, Poirier’s legacy is safe.
Poirier’s affect goes past wins and losses. He’s tied for fourth most post-fight bonuses in UFC historical past, a testomony to his all-action fashion. He’s a philanthropist, a job mannequin, and a fighter’s fighter, revered by friends and adored by followers. His profession is a spotlight reel of grit, adversity, and triumph, and his willingness to step away for household solely provides to his legend.
Poirier’s Retirement Is MMA’s Most Bittersweet Goodbye
In a sport outlined by comebacks and retirements that hardly ever stick, Poirier’s determination feels totally different. He’s strolling away on his phrases, together with his well being, his dignity, and his household as his subsequent championship. “I’m going to put the gloves down in Louisiana the place it began for me. The entire journey began there and I’m simply honored to have the UFC on the identical web page and the state of Louisiana on the identical web page to make all this work,” Poirier stated.
Because the MMA world braces for one final “Diamond” efficiency, the stakes are clear: legacy, household, and the prospect to say goodbye in entrance of those that matter most. Whether or not his hand is raised or not, Poirier’s place among the many all-time greats is safe—and his subsequent chapter, as a father and legend, begins the second the cage door closes behind him.