Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier is all set to call it quits on a magnificent career. Earlier, ‘The Diamond’ decided to hang up his gloves after a losing title effort against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. However, it seems he has one more fight left in his gas tank and wants to bid goodbye to the sport in his home state of Louisiana.
Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen recently took to their YouTube channel to discuss the matter. Sonnen, who has always been a massive fan of Poirier, feels he is one of the legends of the sport. However, he feels the boxing ace might find it challenging to compete in a main attraction in his swansong.
Chael Sonnen gives a reality check to Dustin Poirier before his last fight
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dustin Poirier will always remain the uncrowned prince of the UFC’s most competitive division. Poirier’s UFC career has been nothing short of remarkable, featuring victories over some of the sport’s most iconic figures. His title losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveria, and now Islam Makhachev, while disappointing, showcased his exceptional skills and the spirit to bounce back after a heartbreaking setback. Poirier has made it clear that the bout against the Dagestani was his final opportunity to capture the elusive lightweight title, a goal he has long pursued.
With no title shot around the corner, Poirier considered retiring from the sport, but fans can hope to see him in action for one more time. Former UFC dual-champion Daniel Cormier feels the 35-year-old still has a lot to offer to the sport. Fan favorite analyst Chael Sonnen also agreed with the fact. But he pointed out that he might find it tough to find an opponent that would make his last fight a memorable one. While Poirier did propose the idea of a one-night 4-man tournament it seems to be a distant dream at the moment.
Sonnen said, “I do feel that way sometimes, and a lot of times, you get a fighter who’s done everything that there is to do. But he still wants a big fight. That’s a very hard recipe. If you are not in a title fight or you’re not in a contenders fight, how can it be big?
‘The American Gangster’, however, pointed out that only a fighter like Poirier can pull off something like this and said, “But there is a way, if your last name is Diaz, for example, whatever you do, is going to be big. If your last name right now is Masvidal and or McGregor. It can be big. I think Poirier is living on that same island. I think with the right opponent, you can shine that thing up.”
View this post on Instagram
What’s your perspective on:
Can Dustin Poirier's final fight match the legacy he's built, or is it too late for glory?
Have an interesting take?
Retiring from the sport is one of the toughest calls for any professional fighter. However, there have been times in the UFC where a combatant has been forced to retire because of their dip in form. However, this will not be the case for Dustin Poirier, feels UFC CEO Dana White. The head honcho has always rated ‘The Diamond’ very high and feels the decision to retire should solely be his.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dana White feels Dustin Poirier should retire on his own terms
Dustin Poirier’s dream of retiring with the undisputed belt tied around his waist seems to have faded away. The 13-year UFC veteran has often been credited as the best boxer in the UFC. And it is safe to say that Poirier has never backed down from a challenge put in front of him. And this is the reason that fans want to see more from ‘The Diamond.’ These talks of retirement have made every MMA fan wonder if the Louisiana native is finally calling it a day on his illustrious career. UFC head honcho Dana White feels that the decision should be taken by the former interim champion.
In the recent post-event press conference of the Dana White Contender Series, White shared his opinion on the whole. The 55-year-old believes that Poirier still has a lot of fight left in him, but his decision will be respected.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He said, “Look at what he did. I mean, everybody was talking about his execution against St. Denis. Look at what he did. You can never count Poirier out. And that’s up to him—he’s the one who gets to decide whether he wants to keep fighting or not. It’s always up to them, not me.”
Dustin Poirier is, without a doubt, one of the legends of the sport, and the fans would definitely want to see him in action for one last time. However, he is currently looking for his next opponent. So, who do you think the lightweight juggernaut should face in his last career fight? Let us know your pick in the comments below.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Can Dustin Poirier's final fight match the legacy he's built, or is it too late for glory?