“Imagine The Throwdown” – Fans React to Dustin Poirier Getting Rejected by UFC for Ilia Topuria Fight

UFC veteran Dustin Poirier talks about wanting to fight former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in his retirement fight.

“Imagine The Throwdown” – Fans React to Dustin Poirier Getting Rejected by UFC for Ilia Topuria Fight

Dustin Poirier got rejected from fighting Ilia Topuria (via X/Imago)

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Last year, after losing to Islam Makhachev in a hard-fought title bout, Dustin Poirier hinted at a possible retirement from MMA. Over the following months, the seasoned fighter reflected deeply on his career and chose to return for one final appearance. Now, he is set to face ex-featherweight champion Max Holloway in a BMF title, but this wasn’t his first choice.

Earlier this year, Ilia Topuria surprised fans by moving up to the UFC lightweight division to challenge the reigning champion. The Georgian-Spanish fighter also expressed interest in facing Poirier, saying he found that matchup particularly exciting and competitive. Poirier confirmed his motivation and recently revealed in an interview how UFC negotiations with Topuria’s team had actually unfolded.

When Ilia said he was going to 155, I texted the UFC and said, ‘Hey, let me know what’s going on with this guy.’ They told me it’s not happening.

Dustin Poirier on potential Ilia Topuria superfight

While the fight promised fireworks, Topuria remained focused solely on securing a UFC lightweight title shot above all else. ‘El Matador’ dismissed other contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, making it clear he had no interest in anything but gold. After Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight, Topuria finally earned a chance to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant belt.

Before the bout, Poirier predicted Topuria could knock out anyone, including Oliveira and that’s exactly what happened. Topuria is now the new UFC lightweight champion and has claimed the top position on the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings. For UFC, the ‘El Matador’ had become the new golden goose with the capacity to sell out arenas in the future.

Fight fans react to Dustin Poirier not getting Ilia Topuria as his retirement fight

Dustin Poirier’s legacy is built on years of thrilling fights, relentless heart, and unmatched resilience inside the UFC octagon. He’s respected not only for victories but also for his willingness to fight anyone, anytime, regardless of the risk involved. Poirier’s charitable work and humble personality outside the cage make him one of UFC’s most beloved and admired fighters.

Dustin Poirier vs. Ilia Topuria would have been a war, say fight fans
Dustin Poirier vs. Ilia Topuria would have been a war, say fight fans (via X)

Despite his exceptional skillset and toughness, Poirier fell short in three separate attempts to capture the undisputed UFC title. He’s widely regarded as one of the most talented fighters in UFC history to never secure that elusive championship belt. Fans are frustrated with the UFC for offering him a lackluster fight card for what could be his retirement night.

Regardless of all the setbacks and missed opportunities, Poirier remains fully focused on his upcoming trilogy fight against Max Holloway. Heading into this electrifying matchup, Poirier stands as the clear betting favorite over the always-dangerous Hawaiian native.

Had it been Ilia Topuria instead, betting odds and fan expectations would likely have shifted drastically in the other direction. Still, many fans are expressing disappointment that Poirier wasn’t granted a more meaningful showdown with new champ Topuria.

Many fans felt a Topuria matchup would’ve delivered fireworks, making for an unforgettable and highly entertaining retirement bout for Poirier. Others strongly believed it could’ve ended in heartbreak, with Dustin Poirier suffering a brutal knockout loss in his final appearance. The contrast in opinions highlights how risky and emotionally charged that potential retirement fight against Ilia Topuria truly was.

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