“I have a family to be there for,” Dustin Poirier once again FUELS retirement rumors ahead of UFC 299 fight against Benoit Saint-Denis

MMA is always referred to as a young man’s sport. The fighters at the top of the game ultimately have to give in to their age. The recovery time, the weight cuts, and the punishment taken over the years all add up. This takes us to another MMA veteran on the verge of retiring. Dustin Poirier has once again fueled speculation about his potential retirement from mixed martial arts after his upcoming fight with Benoit Saint-Denis. 

In a recent interview, Dustin Poirier acknowledged the physical toll fighting has taken on his body. The 35-year-old veteran understood that every fight left an indelible mark. With a wife and daughter at home, balancing priorities became increasingly difficult. This is what he said:

I know [the end] is coming. I can’t do this forever. This is my 40th professional fight. I have a family to be there for... Every time I get in there, Saturday night a piece of me is gonna leave that I can never get back... I can’t love something so much to where it takes away from what’s most important. Fighting is just something I do.

Dustin Poirier via ESPN MMA

Poirier is set to face rising contender Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFC 299 co-main event. Saint-Denis’ impressive run of stoppages clearly has Poirier’s attention and respect. The veteran wants that type of high-stakes challenge to evaluate his current form.

Poirier was determined to showcase his skills against a rising contender. While retirement remained an option, Poirier still believed he had a bit more to give. UFC 299 remains a critical measuring stick for his options in the game.

Benoit Saint-Denis opens up about his UFC 299 mindset

Benoit Saint-Denis recently opened up about his mindset and mental preparation ahead of his fight against Dustin Poirier. In an interview with ESPN MMA, the rising French contender provided insight into his pre-fight routine. Saint-Denis revealed that he entered a machine-like state before stepping into the Octagon. He tuned out all distractions and external noise.

The 28-year-old said he found something to achieve laser-like focus. Saint-Denis lets any mistakes or doubts simply pass through his mind. BSD said he refused to dwell on them before the battle commenced. The No. 12 ranked lightweight’s visualization of dismantling Poirier showcased his confidence. The veteran “Diamond” represents the toughest test yet of Saint-Denis’ young career. 

Saint-Denis enters UFC 299, riding an impressive five-fight winning streak, with finishes in each bout. His latest finish against Matt Frevola earned him the Performance of the Night bonus. Saint-Denis isn’t letting outside noise affect his mental preparation for his fight against Poirier. 

In case you missed it:

• “You don’t dictate when I fight,” UFC champ Dricus Du Plessis FIRES BACK at Israel Adesanya for spreading UFC 300 ducking rumors
• “I shouldn’t have said it,” Gilbert Burns apologizes to Belal Muhammad after shutting down rival’s claim for title fight

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