Dustin Poirier still wants to be an undisputed UFC world champion. Despite losing his UFC 302 main event title clash to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev via a fifth-round submission, the former interim champion has been praised by Joe Rogan and even opposing cornerman (and previous opponent) Khabib Nurmagomedov for being a legend of the game.

After his thirty-first fight at the promotion, the Lafayette native spoke to the press about his state of mind following the loss. An emotional ‘Diamond’ said that despite the loss, he still yearns to become the undisputed 155-pound champion of the UFC, and was proud of all the work he had put in over his thirteen-year stint in the world’s most competitive MMA promotion.

“I still feel like I want to be the world champion, you know. Like that stuff’s all cool and I hope people do look at me like that I’ve done a lot in the sport. I’ve had some crazy fights that I’m proud of. But I really want to be the world champion, you know. That’s what hurts but I’m proud of everything I’ve done in the sport, I’m proud of the comebacks I’ve made, the improvements I’ve made, my discipline to the craft. You know this stuff isn’t easy, man,” Poirier said poignantly. And his comments point towards him possibly wanting to retire, something he spoke about in the octagon with Joe Rogan.

Poirier hints “this could be it”

After the bout, Khabib Nurmagomedov was the first to go up to Poirier and help him stand up, after which both men were seen shaking hands with ‘The Eagle’ seemingly commending the UFC legend on his performance. In the post-fight interview, the Lafayette native confessed to Joe Rogan in the Octagon that he may retire soon. Poirier confessed that by virtue of being knocked out of the title picture, probably for good after his loss, he wasn’t sure what he was fighting for.

A visibly emotional Rogan thanked him and told him that it had been an honor to call his fights. Present in the stands were Poirier’s wife, Jolie, his mother, and his young daughter Parker Noelle. ‘Diamond’ thanked them for their love and support throughout his life, and consoled his daughter, who was in tears, telling her to “always chase your dreams” because “it’s a beautiful thing.”

However, the former interim champ didn’t definitely say that he would be retiring after UFC 302 and also remarked in the post-fight press conference that he would be leaving a lot of money on the table if he were to retire at the moment as he was still one of the top lightweights in the world. Clearly, the UFC legend will do some more thinking before he decides what he wants to do moving forward.

You can check out the full results of UFC 302 here.