Poirier Hints That He Could Retire – ‘I Need To Make A Solid Decision’

August 2, 2024
6 months
Poirier Hints That He Could Retire - 'I Need To Make A Solid Decision'

Dustin Poirier has given another indication that he could retire from MMA, saying he will know his next steps by August. 

The Diamond’s last fight ended in a fifth-round submission defeat to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. That was a massive blow as Dustin failed to pick up the UFC Lightweight Title. It was another lightweight title defeat following his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019 at UFC 244. That was in addition to a loss against Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 in 2021.

Poirier Reacts

Poirier also had a chance to win the BMF Belt but was knocked out by Justin Gaethje at UFC 291. Dustin has given mixed signals about his retirement. In his post-fight comments against Islam, he hinted that this could be the end. He questioned whether he should continue fighting if no title was on the line. Now, he has more clarity about his future. 

“Me and my wife said [to each other], when we get back from vacation, we will [decide]. Obviously, you’re drinking and eating whatever you want on vacation. So, we’ll clean it up. I’ll go 30 days, August, and just make a decision after that. Get in shape, see how I feel, and we’ll see man. I don’t know [what I’ll do].

“I need to make a solid decision so I can get myself out of the limbo. I’m still kind of fighting myself every day, not sure what I’m doing… I’m supposed to have surgery on my nose in October. But, if something, if I made a decision or something came up, popped up, I can push it back or whatever. I’m just thinking, who is there for me to fight?” Poirier said 

Poirier’s Options

If Poirier does continue, he has given fans an insight into where he fights next. He has spoken about facing Makhachev in a rematch. Islam is expected to fight Arman Tsarukyan, the leading contender in the lightweight division. However, Arman is suspended for nine months after punching a fan at UFC 300. That would open the door for Poirier. But Makhachev did reveal that he may need hand surgery after picking up an injury after the Poirier win. 

Another option is to fight with Conor McGregor and Michael Chander. Poirier has a 2-1 record against McGregor. Their last fight ended with McGregor breaking his leg as Dustin won. The Notorious wants a fourth fight, which would generate a big payday. A fight with Chandler was entertained after Michael suggested Poirier should retire. Outside of that, Dustin did hint at boxing. But any decision over his future will be made in August.

“A boxing match? Of course [that would excite me]. Of course. Just a change of speed, a different training camp, just something different. I’ve been doing MMA for a while, and I still love the training camps and I love fighting. But to go to purely boxing, the training camp would be a lot less wearing on the body. No wrestling, no jiu-jitsu, it would be boxing, running, swimming. That would be fun stuff. I would box Nate [Diaz], I would box Nate. Either [MMA or boxing works for me] but I would rather [fight] Nate in boxing,” Poirier stated 

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