“Part of Me Has Died” – Dustin Poirier Gets Honest About Fight Retirement Life

UFC veteran and former interim champion Dustin Poirier shares a heartfelt confession regarding his post-retirement life.

“Part of Me Has Died” – Dustin Poirier Gets Honest About Fight Retirement Life

Dustin Poirier talks about post-retirement life (via Bloody Elbow)

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The world of combat sports often leaves its athletes facing a difficult transition once the lights fade and the crowds quiet. For many, the adrenaline and purpose that define their careers can become hard to replace, and the emotional toll of stepping away from competition lingers long after the final bell. In this context, longtime UFC veteran Dustin Poirier has given a glimpse into what life after fighting feels like.

Poirier’s retirement after a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 marked the close of one of the most accomplished careers in the UFC’s lightweight division. Since joining the promotion from WEC in 2011, he earned a reputation for his resilience and ability to deliver unforgettable performances. These performances have been against the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez.

While he is enjoying time with his family, Poirier has begun navigating the emotional reality of life beyond fighting. The daily grind of training camps, the anticipation of fight nights, and the constant pursuit of victory are no longer central to his routine. For a fighter who lived and breathed competition for twenty years, that adjustment represents a profound shift, which he recently spoke about in a post on X.

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 via X

Outside the cage, Poirier has long maintained a strong presence through his charitable and business ventures. His Good Fight Foundation, based in Louisiana, continues to make a tangible difference by supporting education, healthcare, and disaster relief initiatives. He has also invested in his own line of hot sauce and various business partnerships, ensuring his post-fight career remains active and purposeful.

Following his retirement, ‘The Diamond’ revealed that he is open to returning to ESPN as an analyst/commentator to stay around the fight business. However, the Louisiana native recently piqued fans’ interest when he expressed his wish to fight Nate Diaz under the Zuffa Boxing banner. The two were initially set to fight at UFC 230 back in 2018, but the bout was cancelled due to an injury to Poirier.

Dustin Poirier’s retirement at UFC 318 closed a chapter for one of MMA’s most admired competitors. His legacy rests not only on his performances against the sport’s elite but also on his integrity, philanthropy, and enduring impact beyond competition. As he transitions fully into life after fighting, Poirier’s influence on the next generation of athletes remains firmly intact.

Max Holloway sends Dustin Poirier a charitable gift

Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier share a notable history inside the Octagon, having faced each other three times over the course of their UFC careers. They first faced off at UFC 143, which saw Poirier coming out on top by submitting Holloway in the first round. The two met again at UFC 236 and put on an all-out war for the interim championship. However, their third fight at UFC 318 ended on a respectful note.

Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier (via UFC)

After completing their trilogy, Holloway sent the gloves from that fight to Poirier, who received them as a gesture of respect. Poirier indicated that he hoped to use the opportunity to do something meaningful for Hawaii, Holloway’s home state, in the near future. The gloves themselves are being prepared for auction, combining the significance of the fight with an effort that aims to benefit the community.

This exchange underscored the respect that can exist between top-level fighters, even after intense competition. Beyond their accomplishments inside the Octagon, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier’s actions demonstrate how athletes can leverage their platform to support positive initiatives. Transforming a symbol of competition into an instrument for good highlights the broader impact fighters can have.

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