Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev Set Rivalry Aside to Praise Dustin Poirier After UFC 318 Retirement 

UFC veterans congratulate Dustin Poirier for his incredible career, following his retirement at UFC 318.

Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev Set Rivalry Aside to Praise Dustin Poirier After UFC 318 Retirement 

Dustin Poirier receives words of praise from Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev (via Imago/X)

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Dustin Poirier recently stepped inside the UFC Octagon for the last time in his legendary and memorable fighting career journey. The entire event took place in Poirier’s native home state of Louisiana, where the arena was completely packed with his passionate fans. With the coveted BMF belt on the line, Poirier unfortunately suffered a disappointing defeat in front of his supportive home crowd.

Poirier spent thirteen long years competing in the UFC, participating in countless brutal wars and gaining immense respect worldwide. Despite the heartbreaking final loss, ‘DP’ received numerous warm and touching farewell messages from fighters, fans, and UFC colleagues. One special message came from former rival and double champion Conor McGregor, who posted an appreciation message on X.

We love a good scrapper in the company and them two boys are just that! Scrappers! Awesome stuff! Great fight lads, bravo! R.I.Pea head!

Conor McGregor via X

McGregor and Poirier clashed inside the UFC Octagon on three intense occasions, with Poirier holding the overall winning advantage. Throughout their heated rivalry, tensions escalated rapidly, turning their competition into one of UFC’s most personal and hostile feuds. It was Poirier who faced McGregor in the latter’s last fight, where the Irishman tragically suffered a severe leg injury.

Since that unfortunate leg injury against Poirier, McGregor hasn’t made any official return or comeback inside the UFC Octagon. Till now, the bad blood between the fighters hasn’t come to an end, and fans even wanted a fourth battle between these two veterans. Other than McGregor, former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev also has the opportunity to congratulate DP on his retirement. 

Congratulations, Dustin. You’re truly one of the greatest to ever step into the cage. It was an honor and a privilege to share it with you.

Islam Makhachev via X

Makhachev and Poirier battled fiercely for the prestigious lightweight championship at UFC 302, where Poirier ultimately lost by submission. The thrilling contest was highly competitive and marked the final championship title opportunity for Louisiana’s beloved fighter. Recently, at the Smoothie King Center, ‘The Diamond’ also received his second chance at the symbolic BMF title against Max Holloway.

Dustin Poirier talks about his life after retirement 

Max Holloway versus Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 delivered a spectacular, high-paced striking war that thrilled the fight fans. Holloway utilized his trademark volume punching and relentless pressure to gradually wear down Poirier during the brutal five-round championship battle.

‘The Diamond’ showed tremendous heart, and was close to getting finished in the very first round. However, in typical Poirier fashion, he bounced back and landed powerful counterpunches to put the pressure on the Hawaiian superstar.

Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway at UFC 318
Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway at UFC 318 (via X)

Ultimately, Holloway’s excellent cardio, sharp aggression, and clean combinations earned him a unanimous decision win over Poirier. However, the Louisiana native expressed disappointment, believing the judges’ scorecards were unfair because he thought the fight was extremely close.

During the post-fight press conference, Poirier emotionally reflected on retirement. The former interim champion discussed future life plans beyond his long and storied UFC career.

Nothing’s ever gonna fill the void of walking out to a crowd and trying to wield to win and fighting the best guys in the world for 25 minutes. I don’t think anything’s gonna fill that way again but hopefully I can find something. I would love to be connected to the sport, keep working for ESPN. 

Dustin Poirier via UFC 318 Post-Fight Presser

Poirier is now working as an insightful analyst in the UFC, sharing his expert fight knowledge and sharp perspectives. His massive fan following and deep understanding of MMA can make him a natural fit for the analyst role. Fans will enjoy seeing Poirier more frequently on television, offering commentary and analysis during thrilling UFC events and fight nights.

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