The world of mixed martial arts has rejoiced with newfound excitement as Dustin Poirier delivered one of the biggest hints about his return to the Octagon. Back in June 2024, ‘The Diamond’ seemingly had his final attempt at claiming the UFC lightweight championship title, as he took the fight to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Unfortunately for Poirier, the fight ended in a defeat, as the Dagestani defended his championship belt via a D’arce choke in the final round. But when Poirier announced that it was probably his final battle in the UFC, the entire fighting community had its heart broken.

But now, things have changed as Poirier made a big announcement on social media. Needless to say, the fight fans began speculating if it had any connection with the return of Conor McGregor. 

Is Dustin Poirier’s return linked to Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler’s fight?

After announcing his retirement at UFC 302, ‘The Diamond’ took to social media and hinted at the possibility of returning for a fight against McGregor and Makhachev. The Louisiana native simply wanted his last rodeo at the Ultimate Fighting Championship to be one that the whole wide world would remember for ages. 

When a fan asked Poirier if he was doing it for the money, he replied, “I’m cool I don’t need the cash I just want the blood.” He ended it all by writing, “The Las Dance. Let em know.” Now, the UFC head honcho has revealed that the Irish mixed martial artist would soon return to the UFC to fight his slated opponent, Michael Chandler. 

Dana White’s announcement indeed raised the entropy of the fight fans by a thousandfold. However, the MMA realm didn’t expect Poirier to send shockwaves with a hint of his comeback. The lightweight fighter took to his Instagram Story and shared a picture of himself. In the caption, he wrote, “Big news coming soon. Uno mas [one more].”

But Poirier’s move has put the fighting community in a bit of confusion. Why exactly did he decide to quit fighting if he wanted to end his career in style? Let’s find out!

The real reason behind ‘The Diamond’s decision to retire

In a conversation with the media, Poirier revealed why he decided to leave the MMA realm following his UFC 302 defeat. He said, “Family and my health. My body feels good, but I’ve been getting punched and kicked and kneed in the face for almost 18 years. I want to take care of my brain health. A lot of these guys are fighting for paydays. I don’t have to do that anymore. I’m fighting because I love fighting. But I can’t love something so much that it takes away from who I am or my family’s future.” 

Giving 15 years to the world of MMA, Poirier indeed left an unforgettable mark in the fight fans’ hearts. Even Daniel Cormier expressed his sorrow at watching one of his favorite fighters leave the UFC. However, Poirier hadn’t confirmed that UFC 302 was his final bout. There was still hope for his return.

With the former interim lightweight champion personally hinting at his return, the world of combat sports will surely witness the Cajun fighter display his fighting skills in the Octagon for one last time. Are you excited for Poirier’s return to the UFC? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.