Dustin Poirier Uncertain About Future, But “Leaning Towards Being Done”
By FCF Staff
After coming up short in his latest bid to secure the UFC’s undisputed, lightweight title, Dustin Poirier is questioning why he would choose to fight again.
Leading up to Poirier’s fight with champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, he acknowledged he could retire following the bout. Immediately after his submission loss to Makhachev, Poirier said it may be time to hang up the gloves, but he also noted he would take some time to consider his future.
More recently, the former interim champ appeared on “The MMA Hour”. The 35-year-old reported that he’s still undecided about retirement, but acknowledged that’s the direction he’s leaning (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).
“I still don’t know. I can’t say I’ll never fight again, but I just don’t know the reason. What am I going to fight for? To get into a battle? I love that, but I’ve taken some lumps over the years. It has to be for something. And maybe that’s something I’ll realize in the coming weeks, but I’m just taking it one day at a time.
“I’m leaning towards being done. For sure. Especially with getting the title fight, how many more times would I need to fight to put myself back in position to fight for the world title? I don’t know. And like I said, I’m not going to do it again, I’m not going to fight five more times to try and earn another title shot. I’m in a weird spot and I don’t know how to explain it or what decision to make. I’m just taking it day by day and seeing what comes with my mind changing and just to see how I feel.”
Poirier (30-9) also challenged for the undisputed title in 2019 and 2021, against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira respectively, but was submitted in both fights.
The renowned fighter, who recently reported he partially tore his ACL at UFC 302, secured another title shot this past March by knocking out Benoit Saint Denis.