Dustin Poirier is set for a potential career-ending fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318 in Louisiana, but despite his coach’s belief in his retirement, the allure of future opportunities could still tempt him back to the octagon.
Dustin Poirier’s aiming for a storybook ending to his career with a fight against Max Holloway in Louisiana at UFC 318. But in MMA, is anyone ever truly retired?
The whole event is centered on Poirier’s farewell. Yet, history shows fighters often come back. Jon Jones, for instance, barely had time to enjoy retirement before planning his return. However, Poirier’s coach, Mike Brown, genuinely thinks this is it for the former interim champ.
“I think so,” Brown told MMA Fighting. “You can never say never. He’s done well financially. He doesn’t need to fight.”
Poirier’s built a Hall of Fame career and a solid bank account. Perfect reasons to walk away after June 19.
Still, Brown hesitates to close the door entirely. Fighters often find it hard to ignore enticing offers.
For Poirier, it would have to be something extraordinary. “It would have to be something pretty enticing,” Brown mentioned. But he believes Poirier’s satisfied with his achievements.
Brown and Poirier share a unique bond, having celebrated many victories together. Right now, the focus is on beating Holloway. The reality of retirement might hit hard post-fight.
“I don’t think emotions come in until the fight,” Brown said. “After the fight is usually when the emotions come.”
With the UFC in his home state and possibly Lil’ Wayne walking him to the Octagon, Poirier’s exit is grand.
A win would be the cherry on top, especially if he pulls off his favorite guillotine choke.
It’s a running joke that Poirier often tries for that submission but hasn’t succeeded yet.
Brown admits that winning with the guillotine would be the perfect ending to a 16-year career.
“Everyone would be pretty happy with that,” Brown said. “That would be pretty cool.”
“You never know,” he added. “People didn’t think he’d rear-naked choke Michael Chandler, right? He’s got jiu-jitsu. People sleep on it.”