If you ask Dustin Poirier about his medium-term goal, it would be to retire where he began his MMA journey. Even during his interview with Ariel Helwani, the ‘Diamond’ revealed that he plans to hang up his gloves in his home state of Louisiana. It’s something he wished for a long time, but now he yearns to act on it after his 5th-round loss to Islam Makhavhev at UFC 302 in June.

During a September meeting of the Louisiana State Boxing & Wrestling Commission, MMA Junkie reported the members of the commission talked about how the Dana White-led promotion was interested in heading to New Orleans sometime in 2025, hopefully in the first quarter. Now, with us being just days away from 2025, Dustin Poirier has hinted at a fight brewing pretty soon.

During an interview with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, ‘DC’ remarked that ‘Diamond’ must’ve had his eyes set on a return to the Octagon by now. To this, the former interim UFC lightweight champion claimed ongoing talks are happening between him and the UFC, putting Dana White on alert to be prepared for his final fight. He said, “I do, and me and the UFC are close on making it happen. Hopefully, I’ll have some news for you guys soon.”

Well, it sure looks like fans can finally get to see Dustin Poirier in action. However, the tragic part is that it may also be his last dance in the Octagon. But who will he fight next? Is an opponent decided yet for the UFC lightweight? Well, there are a few possible names who might end up being the ones to fight the ‘Diamond’ one last time.

Dustin Poirier’s call for a retirement opponent

Notably, Dustin Poirier turned his attention to Ilia Topuria a few months ago in search of an opponent for his retirement fight. After Topuria’s spectacular KO victory over Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 308, Poirier publicly demanded a battle with ‘El Matador.’ “I want Max or Topuria,” he wrote on X. Although it is unlikely, if not impossible, that he will receive a fight with Topuria.

So, a rematch with Holloway sounds more than feasible. Another opponent could be Justin Gaethje, as the two would want to complete their trilogy. In the meantime, it may also turn out to be Gaethje’s last outing as well. In the case of Gaethje, who is coming off a chilling KO at the hands of Max Holloway at UFC 300, the fighter has already warned that if he suffers the same fate again, he will retire.

Interestingly, after his brutal loss to Poirier in 2019, ‘The Highlight’ claimed he had “five wars” left in the UFC. He has fought ten fights since then.

Regardless, they are legendary sports figures and two of the most ferocious competitors the Octagon has ever witnessed. So, seeing the two retire at the same time after a fight against one another would definitely be one that would sell out all the UFC gates in the past. What do you think? Who will Dustin Poirier’s final opponent be? Let us know in the comments.