Recently retired UFC legend Dustin Poirier expressed regret that he didn`t get to fight three specific opponents before hanging up his gloves.
Dustin Poirier`s final appearance in the UFC was a significant event at UFC 318 last Saturday in his home state of Louisiana. Poirier and Max Holloway concluded their trilogy with an enthralling bout, in which Holloway retained his BMF title by unanimous decision.
Poirier did not retract his decision to retire after UFC 318, ceremonially leaving his gloves in the center of the Octagon as the New Orleans crowd paid tribute to the legendary athlete. Just days after UFC 318, Poirier now has time to reflect on the triumphs and challenges of his career.
Dustin Poirier Reflects on Unfought Legends Before Retirement
What stands out about the culmination of Poirier`s UFC career is the formidable gauntlet of opponents he faced on his path to stardom. During his time in the UFC, Poirier secured victories over fighters such as Conor McGregor (twice), Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Holloway.
Beyond his notable victories, Poirier also competed against all-time greats like Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Charles Oliveira. Poirier harbors few career regrets, but if given the chance to turn back time, he would certainly have faced one of the greatest to ever step into the Octagon.
During a recent appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Poirier was asked to name a few fighters he wished he had faced during his illustrious career, and he included two UFC Hall of Famers.
“Growing up, I considered B.J. Penn the greatest lightweight ever,” Poirier stated. “B.J. Penn in his prime. I`m surprised Donald Cerrone and I never fought. Nate Diaz, obviously, we came close to a fight a few times. Beyond that, I fought the best of my era. I can proudly say, `I fought the best guys in the world in my weight class.`”
Despite experiencing 9 losses in his final 11 UFC bouts, B.J. Penn is still regarded as one of the promotion`s greatest fighters. In his prime, Penn contended with all top contenders across multiple weight divisions and was a dominant force during his lightweight championship reign.
Penn was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015 after a storied career in the Octagon. He retired following a defeat to Clay Guida at UFC 237.
Dustin Poirier Affirms Retirement Decision Mid-Fight at UFC 318
Following his UFC farewell bout on Saturday, Poirier conceded that his decision to retire was the correct one. In a recent episode of “The Bohnfire” podcast, Poirier disclosed that at UFC 318, he adopted a self-preservation mindset for the first time in his career.
Poirier`s retirement at UFC 318 was almost prematurely ended when Holloway knocked him down twice in the opening round. Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling later asserted that Holloway deliberately “pulled back” his punches against Poirier.
One of Poirier`s former adversaries, Michael Johnson, expressed a desire to fight Holloway following their respective victories at UFC 318. As of this publication, Holloway has not responded to Johnson`s recent challenge.
Jack Thornley