Dustin Poirier, who concluded his fighting career this summer, has admitted that he finds it difficult to adjust to life without competition.
The former interim UFC lightweight champion, Poirier, retired after losing to Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 318, which took place in July in his home state of Louisiana. He had previously considered retirement after his last undisputed title challenge against Islam Makhachev but ultimately decided on a farewell fight at home.
Currently, he leads a quieter life with his wife Jolie and their daughter Tatiana. The couple is expecting a son later this year, and Poirier has remained active with public appearances, including TV punditry and autograph sessions.
Dustin Poirier Grapples with Life After UFC
During his time off, Dustin Poirier has been actively engaging with fans on social media, responding to questions and participating in various discussions. He recently humorously dismissed the idea of a potential boxing match with Nate Diaz.
When asked by a fan how he is coping with life after fighting, Poirier confessed that it is not as easy as it might appear on the surface. After a fan wrote, Hey @DustinPoirier I’ll miss seeing you fighting, I started watching MMA with you man, you’re a legend
, he responded, Let ’em know
.
This led another fan to ask how much he misses the sport, to which Poirier replied:
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 Farewell Fight: A Disappointing Trilogy Outcome
The main event of UFC 318 was a rare occasion for the promotion, as they traveled to New Orleans in Poirier`s home state of Louisiana to give a fighter a special send-off. Max Holloway was practically hand-picked after having lost their two previous encounters, and the pair once again went five rounds.
However, this time, victory did not go Poirier`s way. The more active and younger Holloway demonstrated why he is still at the top, showcasing faster hand speed and ultimately overwhelming pressure that finally earned him the win he had sought.
The duo competed for Holloway`s BMF title, which he had claimed from Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 over a year prior. That belt had not been on the line when he was knocked out by Ilia Topuria but was reinstated for his bout with Poirier.
