35-year-old Dustin Poirier featured in one of the most challenging fights of his career. The former interim champion took on the lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev for a title fight. After a gritty back-and-forth over four rounds, the Russian eventually won it in the fifth round.
Poirier, after his performance, sat down for a chat at the post-fight press conference. ‘The Diamond’ shared his honest opinion about the fight and termed the Dagestani fighter as one of the toughest. He even hinted at a probable retirement but is yet to decide upon it. The 35-year-old was then asked to pick his favorite for the upcoming UFC 303 fight between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor.
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Poirier had no hesitation in picking Conor McGregor as the favorite. He said, “If Conor comes back anywhere similar to what he was before the injury. I’m talking timing – wise his rhythm I think he knocks Chandler out. Obviously, I have fought them both and Conor three times. The way Chandler covers distance with big movements against a guy, a sniper like Conor, you’re gonna run into something big and you can’t take those shots. If he’s like he was, he’s gonna knock Chandler out.” What do you feel about Dustin Poirier’s prediction? Let us know in the comments below.
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35-year-old Poirier entered the fight as a complete underdog but gave the champion a run for his title. He also had considerable crowd support as fans chanted his name during the fight. However, the relentless pressure of the Dagestani fighter proved too much to handle for him in the end. The 32-year-old ended the fight with a D’arce choke in the final round. Poirier after the loss seemed dejected and also hinted at a probable retirement during his post-fight interview.
Is Dustin Poirier retiring after his UFC 302 loss?
35-year-old Dustin Poirier tried his best to make UFC 302 special for himself and his family. Poirier had his family members and his young daughter along the ringside to bring him luck. However, much to the despair of the most, the former interim champion failed to win the title for what could be his last attempt. ‘The Diamond’, just like his most fights, was respectful in his loss and congratulated the Dagestani camp. However, in his post-fight interview. he shared some details which might at his retirement.
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The Lafayette native had already declared that this could be his final fight if he failed to win the title. However, it now seems that Poirier has finally decided to call it quits. During his post-fight interview, he was asked about his future plans, to which he replied, “I mean, I know I could compete with the best of these guys. It’s just like if I do fight again, what am I fighting for, just a fight? It has to- I’ve done that 50 times, you know. I don’t know, I got a little girl I love and I gotta see. I think this could be it, honestly, Joe.” Poirier has always been a legend of the sport just because of his longevity and skill set. Despite being a talented fighter, he is yet to win a title in his career. The fans would only hope that ‘The Diamond’ wins a title before calling it quits.
What do you think about Dustin Poirier’s retirement claims? Let us know in the comments below.