Dustin Poirier, who concluded his fighting career this summer, has admitted that he is finding it difficult to adjust to life without competition.
The former interim UFC lightweight champion, Poirier, retired from the sport after losing to Max Holloway in a bout for the BMF title at UFC 318 in Louisiana in July. He had previously contemplated retirement after his last undisputed title challenge against Islam Makhachev but ultimately decided on a farewell fight in his home state.
Currently, Poirier leads a quieter life with his wife Jolie and their daughter Tatiana. The couple is expecting a son later this year. Dustin remains busy with public appearances, including TV punditry and autograph sessions.
Dustin Poirier Grapples with Life After UFC
In his time off, Dustin Poirier has been actively interacting with fans on social media, answering questions, and occasionally engaging in lively exchanges. He recently humorously dismissed the possibility of a boxing match with Nate Diaz.
When a fan asked how he was coping with life post-fighting, Poirier confessed that it isn`t as easy as he 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,” Poirier responded, “Let `em know.”
This prompted another fan to inquire how much he misses the sport, to which Dustin replied, “Every day, the moment my eyes open. I`ve dedicated two decades of my life to it… A part of me has died.”
Dustin Poirier`s Farewell Fight: A Disappointing Trilogy Conclusion
The main event of UFC 318 was a unique occasion for the promotion, as it took place in New Orleans, Poirier`s home state of Louisiana, to give the fighter a special send-off. Max Holloway was deliberately chosen, having lost their two previous encounters, and the pair once again went five rounds.
However, this time, things didn`t go Poirier`s way. The more active and younger Holloway showcased his superiority with faster hand speed and ultimately overwhelming pressure, finally securing the victory he had longed for.
The fighters contended for Holloway`s BMF title, which he had won from Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 over a year prior. That belt had not been on the line when Holloway was knocked out by Ilia Topuria but was reinstated for his bout with Poirier.