UFC Rumors: “This Is the Last Dance” – Dustin Poirier Retirement Plans Revealed by UFC Legend Ahead of Islam Makhachev UFC 302 Fight

As the date for UFC 302 inches closer, the anticipation for the lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier is also on the rise. Without a doubt, the fight has shrouded the entire MMA world in discussions. Makhachev has been underestimating ‘Diamond’ for quite some time. But now, the former mixed martial artist, Michael Bisping, has come up with a piece of shocking news.

The UFC commentator recently revealed that UFC 302 would be Poirier’s last-ever chance to claim the lightweight championship belt. But why did ‘The Count’ make such a big claim? Let’s find out.

UFC 302 is Dustin Poirier’s last title fight?

In a recent video that Bisping uploaded on his YouTube channel, the former fighter addressed what Poirier’s coach, Mike Brown previously said. The coach seemed to believe that the current UFC lightweight champion might be underestimating ‘Diamond’. However, that would be a grave mistake.

Bisping said, “But underestimate Dustin Poirier at your peril. This man is a jiu-jitsu black belt. He’s got tremendous amounts of experience. And he knows, ‘this is it’.” He then talked about how Arman Tsarukyan turned down the title fight after defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Thereafter, Hunter Campbell had called ‘Diamond’ back to Louisiana to train. That was because he knew, it would be Poirier’s last dance.

“This is his last time fighting for gold. When Charles Oliveira fought Arman Tsarukyan, Arman Tsarukyan won. Arman Tsarukyan turned down the title fight. Hunter Campbell called Dustin Poirier straight away and the next morning he flew back to Louisiana to get straight into training camp. Because he knows. This is it! This is the last dance! The last chance saloon! The final time that he will get to fight for a belt,” ‘The Count’ opined.

Why is Islam Makhachev underestimating ‘Diamond’?

Back at UFC 242, Poirier faced the formidable Khabib Nurmagomedov as he challenged the lightweight championship title. However, ‘The Eagle’ defeated Poirier via a fearsome rear naked choke in the third round. Talking to TMZ, Makhachev revealed the real reason why he was underestimating his next opponent. He claimed that Poirier was weak at wrestling and grappling, and that was where the Dagestani fighter excelled. Therefore, he believed that if he could follow his mentor’s style, he could easily overcome Poirier.

However, the former interim lightweight champ had a different opinion. In a recent interview with the famed MMA reporter, Ariel Helwani, on his podcast, ‘The MMA Hour’, Poirier responded to Makhachev’s disrespect. He announced that it was indeed his last shot at the title, and would give it his all. He quoted, “But I’m going to put my hands on this guy. I’m coming in there to hurt him. This is my last shot. Mom’s spaghetti – let’s go.”

What are your thoughts on Poirier’s confidence and Makhachev underestimating his opponent? Who do you think would win at UFC 302? Would Makhachev successfully defend his belt? Or will the championship belt find a new owner? Let us know in the comments down below.