Undisputed title or not, does anyone really doubt Dustin Poirier’s place among the UFC’s elite? Some critics might try, but Israel Adesanya isn’t having it. The former 2-time middleweight champ took to social media with a mic-drop moment. He reminded everyone that Poirier, interim belt or not, fought his way to the top and earned his stripes. And ‘The Diamond’? He’s got no interest in playing the ‘what if’ game, he is well aware of his accomplishments.

“Fans can have their opinions and say whatever they want, but I worked my a-s off for 18 years to reach that night.” ‘The Diamond’ said speaking to MMAFightingonSBN, referencing his interim title win over Max Holloway at UFC 236. “I have a gold belt at home that says UFC world champion on it. It is what it is. I’m a world champion.” And if you think that’s just him talking, Adesanya had something to say about it too. “Undisputed or not, he was the champion. Y’all can’t take that away from him,” Izzy tweeted, reminding the world that both he and Poirier won interim gold on the same night, titles they consider just as legitimate as any other.

If we turn back the clock six years, we’re reminded of just how special that night was. After an all-out war, Poirier stood inside the Octagon, battered but victorious, and poured his heart out in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Still covered in blood, fueled by raw emotion, ‘The Diamond’ let his words hit just as hard as his punches:

“Man, this feels amazing! I feel like I am in a dream right now. I just beat one of the best pound-for-pound in the world. To be the best, you gotta beat the best. It’s been a long time, brother. My 23rd-24th fight with Zuffa. I’ve been knocked down, but I’ve always come back up. Like I said before—man, this is my belt! I earned this in blood! I paid in full. This is mine!”

Additionally, ‘The Last Stylebender’ reflecting on his now Hall of Fame fight against Kelvin Gastelum on the same night did not hold back. He stated, “Whenever I said UFC 243 was my first title defense, some get salty. I consider my ‘Interim’ title win a title win, any fight after that is considered a title defense and a unification. Two things can be true at the same time.” There you have it. If Adesanya says it’s official, who’s arguing?

And if numbers mean anything, Poirier’s record speaks for itself. 30 wins, 9 losses, 10 Fight of the Night bonuses, and 15 knockouts. He’s shared the Octagon with some of the biggest names in the sport. Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, Anthony Pettis, and Michael Chandler. If that doesn’t define a champion, what does?

But as much as Poirier is reflecting on his past, he’s also looking ahead, towards what could be his final fight. “I’ve actually been having calls every week with the UFC,” Poirier revealed, hinting at a grand farewell in New Orleans this summer. “That’s what I’m pushing for. Lay down the gloves where it all started in Louisiana, it would be an honor for me.”

Moreover, the former interim champ recently confirmed that his swansong will take in July or August in Louisiana this year. “It’s summer, July or August probably. We’re working on UFC New Orleans.” Poirier said in the same interview. So it is safe to say that those initial talks with the UFC are moving in a good direction. And here’s where things get interesting. Who’s going to be across from him for his last dance?

Will Dustin Poirier deliver a retirement fight for the ages?

If this really is Poirier’s last ride, it’s got to be something special. No half-baked matchups, no tune-up fights. ‘The Diamond’ wants a send-off that reflects his legacy. And he’s adamant on one thing clear, “It’s legends only, man.” Names like Nate Diaz and Paddy Pimblett have been tossed around, and Ilia Topuria has thrown his hat in the ring as well. But Poirier isn’t interested in just any fight. It has to mean something. “I’ve given this sport a lot, and I think I’ve given it enough,” he admitted. And honestly? He’s not wrong.

If you’re expecting a straightforward answer on who Poirier will fight, you clearly haven’t been paying attention to how UFC matchmaking works. Dana White has confirmed that talks are ongoing, but as usual, left fans hanging. “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,” the UFC boss stated. A fight. Which fight? Against who? Classic Dana, keeping things vague enough to fuel speculation but not give anything away.

What we do know is that Dustin Poirier is a big name, not just as a lightweight, but as a bona fide legend in the promotion. White himself is a believer in retiring at the right time. So there’s no sign of him trying to push Poirier into unnecessary fights. But will the Louisiana native get the grand send-off he wants? Or will the UFC throw him into a last-minute chaos fight just to keep things spicy?

So, what do you think? Should ‘The Diamond’ go out against a legend, or should he test himself against one of the new generation’s rising stars? Could it be Diaz? Topuria? Or a completely unexpected curveball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!