Brendan Allen is grateful to Dustin Poirier for the opportunity to fight at UFC 318 in New Orleans, acknowledging Poirier’s significant contributions to the sport and their shared Louisiana roots, despite Poirier being aligned with Allen’s upcoming opponent.
Brendan Allen gets to fight close to home at UFC 318 in New Orleans, thanks, in part, to Dustin Poirier. The card, set for Saturday, features Poirier’s retirement bout against Max Holloway. Allen, a fellow Louisiana native, hoped for this opportunity, and he got it—a grudge match against Marvin Vettori. He’s grateful for the chance.
Allen doesn’t mind giving Poirier his due, even if it’s a bit awkward, considering Poirier is teammates with his upcoming opponent. “He’s done a lot for the sport,” Allen told MMA Fighting. Poirier has built his life fight by fight, earning everything he has. Allen respects that.
He’s genuinely happy for Poirier and believes everyone in Louisiana should be thanking him. “Without him, we probably wouldn’t be coming to Louisiana,” Allen said. Though Poirier is with the opposing team, Allen’s gratitude remains.
Allen recalls his early MMA days when Poirier was a top prospect from Louisiana. One sparring session stands out—Poirier treated him like a pro, even when Allen was just a teen. “I was already training at a different gym,” Allen explained. Poirier and his friend Kurt were the biggest names in the south back then.
During a sparring session, Poirier hit him hard, leaving a lasting impression. “I’m like f*ck man, I’m just a kid,” Allen remembered. Those sessions were intense, with sparring feeling like actual fighting.
Today, athletes are smarter about training, but Allen values what he learned from Poirier and others. “You learn real quick,” he said. Training with older fighters shaped him, making him appreciate the differences in today’s approach.
From those early days to sharing a UFC roster, Allen respects Poirier’s contributions to the sport. “He’s earned every single thing he has right now,” Allen said. Poirier’s journey is an inspiration, and Allen wishes him the best in retirement.