By FCF Staff

Dustin Poirier is set to hang up the gloves this summer, and the legend believes he is doing so, while the UFC’s undergoing a changing of the guard.

Following Poirier’s submission loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev last June, the now 36-year-old fighter announced he would compete one more time. More recently, it was announced Poirier will face Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 318, July 19th.

The former interim champ also announced the match-up during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show”. During that interview, Poirier discussed how he believes a generation of stars is currently on their way out (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“I think we’re in a changing of the guard,” Poirier said. “I got to see the era before me that I was growing up [watching], I was a fan of these guys like Georges St-Pierre, B.J. Penn, Chuck Liddell...

“I got to kind of see that get transitioned out to this new era. I think we’re going through a little bit of that now.”

Jon Jones has talked extensively in recent months how his retirement is pending, and many believe a long-discussed fight with Tom Aspinall could be his last, if it happens. Other stars like Nate Diaz and Kamaru Usman are also winding down their careers.

“I’m on my way out. Justin Gaethje’s on his way out,” Poirier added. “Kamaru Usman has a few left. It’s a changing of the guard right now.”

Poirier (30-9) will be facing Holloway (26-8) for the third time, as the veteran recorded a decision win over the former featherweight champ in 2019, and submitted him in 2012.

UFC 318 will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana.