Dustin Poirier Reveals Major ‘Steroid Test’ Hurdle as Fan Demands White House Fight

Fans want a spot for Dustin Poirier on the UFC White House event, but the veteran gives not so good news on a potential return.


Dustin Poirier Reveals Major ‘Steroid Test’ Hurdle as Fan Demands White House Fight

Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 (via Men's Health)

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Dustin Poirier is widely regarded as one of the most respected fighters in mixed martial arts. He built a career competing at the highest levels of the UFC lightweight division, earning recognition for his resilience and technical skill. Even after stepping away from professional competition, he maintains a notable presence within the sport.

Poirier officially retired from professional competition at UFC 318 after completing his trilogy against Max Holloway. Despite retiring, he stays active through consistent training and conditioning at his home gym. Maintaining this routine allows him to keep in peak physical shape and continue practicing MMA fundamentals. This approach keeps him engaged with the sport without participating in official bouts.

Following his retirement, Poirier revealed plans to enhance his physique without worrying about USADA, since he no longer needs to compete professionally. He was recently seen participating in a Q&A ahead of UFC 322 with fellow veterans Jorge Masvidal and Joanna Jędrzejczyk. During the session, Poirier responded interestingly when a fan asked about a potential return at the UFC White House event in 2026.

I don’t know, man, it would have to be perfect, like, some reason for me to do it. I don’t know if I could pass a USADA test right now, man.

Dustin Poirier via UFC 322 media day

The UFC White House event has generated significant interest in the MMA community. Fighters such as Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Michael Chandler have expressed interest in competing. UFC CEO Dana White announced that official matchmaking will not begin until February 2026. The event is expected to be one of the most high-profile cards in recent UFC history.

During his UFC career, the Louisiana native defeated numerous notable opponents, including Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, and Anthony Pettis. His victories solidified his reputation in the lightweight division and established him as one of the sport’s elite competitors. Poirier recently revealed that the only fight that interests him would be a boxing bout against Nate Diaz under the Zuffa Boxing banner.

Even after retiring, Dustin Poirier finds it difficult to remain completely detached from MMA. His consistent training, interest in significant events, and ongoing drive to compete demonstrate the sport’s enduring role in his life. While officially retired, his connection to MMA continues to influence his routines and decisions, underscoring the challenge of fully stepping away from professional fighting.

Dustin Poirier compares Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov as opponents

Dustin Poirier won the interim UFC lightweight championship but never captured the undisputed title. His first challenge was against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242, where he lost by rear-naked choke in the third round. His last attempt was against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, ending in a fifth-round D’Arce choke. These fights underline his status as a top contender in the division.

Dustin Poirier against Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov
Dustin Poirier against Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov (via AP News, X)

Poirier’s matchups against both Dagestani fighters demonstrated his willingness to face world-class wrestling and submission specialists. The bouts highlighted the challenges of competing against elite grapplers and those with superior control in the lightweight division. Recently, Poirier weighed in on which fight he considered better between Makhachev and Nurmagomedov.

That’s a tough one bro, I think Islam is a more complete fighter and better on the feet but, grappling, I think Khabib is better than Islam.

Dustin Poirier via UFC 322 media day

Dustin Poirier’s experiences against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev reflect more than individual outcomes; they highlight the evolution of the UFC lightweight division over the past decade. Facing two of the sport’s most dominant grapplers tested his skills, resilience, and adaptability, and cemented his reputation as one of the division’s elite competitors.

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