Dustin Poirier has tried to make the UFC 302 as special as possible. But while the fight fans were just making guesses at the decision, ‘The Diamond’ had apparently made it. After losing his bout against Islam Makhachev to a D’arce choke in the final round of their bout, the 35-year-old mixed martial artist seems to have finally announced his retirement. 

Poirier began his career at the Ultimate Fighting Championship back in 2011. After 13 years and a record of 30-8-0, with one no-contest under his belt, the Lafayette native seemingly hung up his gloves for good. However, the fighter did not appear to be a hundred percent sure of his retirement. 

Is UFC 302 the last time we saw Dustin Poirier?

‘The Diamond’ has entertained fight fans by defeating some of the most formidable opponents that ever stepped onto the UFC canvas. Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Benoit Saint-Denis, are just a handful of fighters to name. He stood true to his moniker, and just like a diamond, stood strong while facing adversities inside the Octagon.

Poirier dug deep and had the champion in the trenches. Despite his best efforts, however, he couldn’t claim his victory over the champion. While talking to Joe Rogan right after the fight, he commended Makhachev and his fighting prowess. But the heartbreak came when Rogan asked about Poirier’s retirement and he affirmed. The fighter questioned the reason why he would continue to fight. Later on, he dedicated the final fight to his family, especially his daughter. 

Rogan pointed out at Poirier’s previous announcement that he was already 35 years old and should retire soon. Poirier 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.”

The UFC commentator addressed the fighter’s words and congratulated him if this was the moment when he hung his gloves for good. But Poirier wasn’t completely sure of it. he said, “And I’m not a 100%, but if this is my last fight, I wanted to dedicate this journey to the people who made me the man I am, and that’s the women in my life.” Rogan called Poirier an incredible man right after that. Rogan had said, “Let’s see where his heart is. This might be it.”  He had the fans’ hearts with the tear-jerking message he had for his daughter. But the fighter had hinted at his retirement already.

‘The Diamond’s previous hint at retirement

Talking to TMZSports, not too long ago, Poirier claimed that the fight against Makhachev would be his final rodeo. He said, “I feel like I’m capable of anything. If I committed myself to climbing back up the ladder, I could do it again.” However, there are times when people have to drop down and rest. For the Cajun warrior, it was time to rest his gloves. 

The mixed martial artist continued, “It’s just where I’m at in life and how long I’ve been fighting. I don’t think I will climb that ladder again. You know, I want to get it done this time.” Needless to say, the fans were not happy about it. But ‘The Diamond’ had made the decision much earlier.

Did you know that Poirier was going to announce his retirement at UFC 302? What do you think of his retirement? Let us know in the comments down below.