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Dana White, Ilia Topuria and Dustin Poirier | via Imago
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Dana White, Ilia Topuria and Dustin Poirier | via Imago
Dustin Poirier‘s retirement fight has been a topic of intrigue for the MMA community of late. After Nate Diaz and Paddy Pimblett‘s name was thrown into the mix as his potential opponents, it seems like ‘The Diamond’ could end up fighting former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and rumor has it that it’s going to go down at UFC 317. However, things seem to be uncertain as per Dana White’s recent statement.
It’s been one of the most unusual nights for Dana White who witnessed the strange end to the UFC Seattle main event. However, that’s in the past now, and Dana White addressed questions surrounding certain plans for the future at the post-fight presser, one of which included Dustin Poirier’s potential opponent. ‘The Diamond’ has mentioned wanting to fight “legends only” in his swansong, but appeared interested when Ilia Topuria mentioned wanting a fight against the former interim lightweight champ prior to vacating the 145-pound belt.
Dana White seemed pretty satisfied with the engagement among fans and the whole MMA community surrounding Dustin Poirier’s final fight. However, the opponent and the date are currently undecided. “I agree. There has been a lot of talk [about Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight], and yes, we’re working on a fight for him,” said the UFC CEO.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY – NOVEMBER 12: Dustin Poirier prepares to fight Michael Chandler in their Lightweight fight during the UFC 281 event at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2022 in New York City, New York, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Louis Grasse / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xLouisxGrassex/xSPPx spp-en-LoGr-lrg2211121091192_UFC281_MAIN
While Ilia Topuria looks like the frontrunner to debut at lightweight against Dustin Poirier, Paddy Pimblett has come to terms with the fact that he is least likely to get a fight against the 155-pound veteran. However, he seems to have just one issue with Poirier regarding his retirement plans.
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Paddy Pimblett demands Dustin Poirier fight his contract out
Dustin Poirier is a big name, not only as a lightweight but as a bona fide legend and a star in the promotion. His PPV headliners have racked in millions of dollars for the UFC on many occasions, so the fact that ‘The Diamond’s not even considering Paddy Pimblett doesn’t seem to be an issue for the Liverpudlian. However, ‘The Baddy’ has demanded that Poirier should consider honoring his UFC contract and keep competing inside the Octagon until it runs out because, according to the UK star, it still looks like he has a lot more fight in him. His UFC 302 performance proves that theory.
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Maybe Pimblett could find his way to the former interim champion if that’s what the Louisiana native decides to do. “I don’t feel disrespect. I understand what he’s saying, ‘Legend’s only’. I’m not a legend and he could earn money on a PPV fighting someone else,” Paddy Pimblett stated in a video on his YouTube channel. “But why would he retire after one fight, lad? Stop being a b*itch arse. You know what I mean. Fight your contract out. Have a few fights. Just had a good fight with Islam.”
Well, Dana White doesn’t seem to have an issue with Dustin Poirier considering retirement. He too is a true believer in retiring at the right time. So what do you think will end up happening in the days to come? Do you see Poirier fighting a legend or current stars? Drop your comments below.
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Debate
Should Dustin Poirier fight a legend or give rising stars like Ilia Topuria a chance?
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