Dustin Poirier is determined to retire on his terms when he faces Max Holloway in his final fight at UFC 318. After a bittersweet departure from his last bout against Islam Makhachev, Poirier is focused on ensuring his final walk is one of pride and clarity.
Poirier Reflects on Islam Makhachev Fight and His Retirement Mindset
During an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Dustin Poirier admitted that his experience leaving the Octagon after UFC 302 against Islam Makhachev still lingers. That night, he walked away, questioning his performance and future. Poirier is committed to embracing every moment leading up to his last fight this time.
“I don’t want to leave the Octagon like I did in the Islam fight, where I’m kind of second-guessing everything,” Poirier said. “I want to walk into the arena knowing that this is the last time I’m ever going to feel this.”
Poirier added that this training camp and the entire fight week will be about soaking in the emotions, knowing it will be the final time he experiences the nerves and excitement of fight night. The 35-year-old sees facing a fighter like Holloway as the perfect sendoff.
“I’m just going to try to embrace because this is the last time I’m ever going to be put in this position and feel these nerves and get to walk out in an arena and fight another man. When they gave me Max Holloway, what a legend to be standing across from. I said legends only, and he’s definitely all of that,” Poirier said.
👀Dustin Poirier says he felt himself like a 'second guest' in Makhachev fight:
"I don’t want to leave the Octagon like I did in the Islam fight, where I felt like the second guest and everything."
🎥 @arielhelwani ▫️ pic.twitter.com/GkVTVzZt60
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 28, 2025
Throughout his career, “Diamond” has shared the cage with elite names such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and, of course, Islam Makhachev.
Dustin Poirier Has a Walkout Plan for Retirement
After UFC 302, where he lost to Makhachev, Dustin Poirier nearly hung up his gloves then and there. Although he left the arena without a title, he was met with immense support, exiting to a special mashup of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” performed by the late Willie Spence and his longtime anthem, James Brown’s “The Boss.”
However, Poirier is considering a different walkout to honor his beginnings for his farewell fight. Speaking to Helwani, Poirier revealed his plans to bring things full circle by walking out alongside rap icon Lil Wayne in New Orleans.
“My first fight in the UFC, when I fought Josh Grispi, I walked out to Lil Wayne,” Poirier shared. “If Lil Wayne was to walk me out in New Orleans, I’ll walk out to Lil Wayne in my last flight.”
He also teased a potential switch back to James Brown’s “The Boss” but seemed excited about the idea of a hometown legend like Lil Wayne leading the way.
As UFC 318 draws closer, fans can expect an emotional night as Poirier aims to close the chapter of his storied career on a powerful and positive note.