Dustin Poirier recently shared that he finds it challenging to adapt to life outside of professional fighting, following his retirement this summer.
The former interim UFC lightweight champion bowed out after suffering a defeat to Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 318, an event held in his home state of Louisiana in July. Poirier had previously considered retirement after his last undisputed title challenge against Islam Makhachev, but ultimately opted for a final homecoming bout.
Currently, Poirier is embracing a quieter life with his wife Jolie and daughter Tatiana. They are expecting a son later this year, and he has maintained a busy schedule with public appearances, including TV punditry and autograph sessions.
Dustin Poirier Opens Up About Post-UFC Struggles
During his time away from the octagon, Dustin Poirier has been actively engaging with fans on social media, responding to questions, and occasionally partaking in playful exchanges. He recently shut down the idea of a potential boxing match with Nate Diaz in a humorous fashion.
When asked by a fan how he is coping with life after fighting, Poirier admitted that it is not as easy as he might appear on the surface. After one fan wrote, “Hey @DustinPoirier I’ll miss seeing you fighting, I started watching MMA with you man, you’re a legend.,” he simply replied, “Let ’em know.”
Subsequently, another fan inquired about how much he misses the sport. Poirier`s poignant reply revealed his deep emotional connection: “Everyday, the moment my eyes open, I’ve done it for two decades dedicated my life to it…. A part of me has died.”
Dustin Poirier`s Final Fight: A Disappointing Trilogy Outcome
The main event of UFC 318 was a truly unique occasion for the promotion, as they traveled to New Orleans in Poirier’s home state of Louisiana to give one of their fighters a special send-off. Max Holloway was chosen as his opponent, despite having lost their previous two encounters, and the pair once again battled for five intense rounds.
However, this time the outcome did not favor Poirier. The more active and younger Holloway demonstrated his continued prowess with faster hand speed and ultimately overwhelming pressure, securing the long-sought victory over “The Diamond.”
The two competitors vied for Holloway’s BMF title, which he had initially claimed from Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 over a year prior. That particular belt had not been on the line when Holloway was knocked out by Ilia Topuria, but it was reinstated and up for grabs for his highly anticipated bout with Poirier.
