Nothing is set in stone as of now, but there’s a chance that Dustin Poirier may have fought his last fight at UFC 302. For 15 years, Poirier has been a fan favorite. He epitomizes everything that fight fans want in a fighter. He doesn’t back down from a fight, he can take punches to give punches.
Over 15 years, Dustin Poirier has had a lot of great fights. There was the Fight of the Year with Justin Gaethje in 2018. His incredible match against Max Holloway in 2019, which ended in a decision. Poirier knocked out Connor McGregor twice in 2021. Many of his 39 fights have been exciting bouts.
On Saturday, June 1, Poirier fought against rising superstar Islam Makhachev in the main event. The match ended with Makhachev picking up the win via submission in the fifth round. For the 35-year-old Poirier, the match had two outcomes. A win would have given him the undisputed lightweight championship belt, something he’s always dreamed of. The loss, however, could result in Dustin Poirier hanging up the gloves.
“Family and my health,” Poirier told NBC News when explaining why it might be time to quit. “My body feels good, but I’ve been getting punched and kicked and kneed in the face for almost 18 years. I want to take care of my brain health.”
There are a lot of risks that come with this profession. Professional fighters recognize that. They are, after all, getting punched, kicked and choked for a living. At this point in his career, Poirier understands that his health must come first.
“A lot of these guys are fighting for paydays. I don’t have to do that anymore,” he said. “I’m fighting because I love fighting. But I can’t love something so much that it takes away from who I am or my family’s future.”
After his fight against Makhachev, Poirier stated that he wasn’t sure if this would be his last fight. Though, dedicated the journey to the women behind him including his mom, grandma, wife and daughter. We’ll keep tabs on this and provide an update with the best of Dustin Poirier when he does decide to hang up the gloves.
***
Click here for more Combat Sports News!!
Want to join our team? Apply here.
Like us on Facebook!
Follow Fantom Sports on Instagram!