If that was the last UFC fans see of Dustin Poirier, he made sure to give them one final show.
Following his loss to defending lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in the main event at UFC 302 on Saturday, Poirier hinted at a possible retirement or a hiatus from the sport.
“I mean I know I can compete with the best of these guys. It’s just like if I do fight again, what am I fighting for? Just to fight? I’ve done that 50 times,” Poirier said to Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview. “I don’t know, I got a beautiful girl I love and I gotta see. I think this could be it honestly.”
Poirier, a veteran of 31 fights in UFC from 2011 to 2024, has a pro MMA record of 30-9.
Though he’s never been an undisputed champion, he became the interim lightweight champion after Khabib Nurmagomedov vacated the title while serving a suspension. He would go on to lose it to the undefeated Russian legend five months later at UFC 242 and would chase the mark for the rest of his time in the promotion.
Poirier, 35, is a clear-cut fan-favourite in UFC, known for his ability to turn any fight into a spectacle and earn some sweet bonus cheques. His nine Fight of the Night bonuses are the second-most in UFC history and he took on Justin Gaethje for the BMF title belt at UFC 291.
“I’m not 100 per cent, but if this is my last fight I wanted to dedicate this journey to the people who made me the man I am and that’s the women in my life,” Poirier said, honouring his family. “To my grandmother, I miss you every day and I know I’m still protected by your prayers. To my mother, we’ve had a crazy life. I love you, thanks for always having my back. To my wife, I love you so much I wouldn’t be standing right here without you, I don’t think I’d be breathing if it wasn’t for you. And to Parker, daddy’s fine I love you so much. I’m so proud of you. We alright baby.
“Always chase your dreams. It’s a beautiful thing.”