Dustin Poirier was good enough to secure the interim UFC strap … but always fell short when it came time to capture the undisputed crown.
Probably because “The Diamond” was faced with some of the most ruthless killers in the history of the promotion along with a handful of top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Charles Oliveira, among others.
“I did everything I could to become undisputed champion,” Poirier told NY Post. “I put myself in positions multiple times to get my hand raised and win that belt in the UFC, and just fell short. Just got beat by really good guys, made mistakes, and it is what it is. That’s life, that’s my story. I wouldn’t change anything; I’m proud of the work that I’ve put in. I’m proud of the things I’ve accomplished and the life that I’ve made.”
Poirier, 36, will finish his storied career atop the upcoming UFC 318 pay-per-view (PPV) event against longtime nemesis, Max Holloway. “The Diamond” has an opportunity to ride off into the sunset with the coveted “BMF” belt on Sat. night (July 19, 2025) in New Orleans.
“I’m never going to get another title fight,” Poirier told Ariel Helwani. “I’d have to win 10 in a row, probably, to get another one, and I don’t think I have it in me to go through what it takes to get another one. I just want to have a great fight and go out on my terms. When I brought it to the UFC’s attention that I wanted to do it in Louisiana and they entertained that, I was kind of blown away. It’s just an honor. I’m thankful the company listened.”
To see who else is fighting at UFC 318 this weekend in New Orleans click here.
