Dustin Poirier has massive plans as soon as his UFC profession is over.
Later this month, Poirier will make the stroll to the cage for the ultimate time when he takes on Max Holloway for the ‘BMF’ title in the principle occasion of UFC 318. The occasion was constructed round Poirier’s impending retirement, with the promotion heading to New Orleans specifically for “The Diamond,” and he admits he’s acquired plenty of feelings as he prepares to make his final stroll.
“I’m fearful of it,” Poirier informed ESPN. “It’s bittersweet. I’ve achieved this longer than I haven’t. And actually, I beat myself up — I don’t wish to say beat myself up, I spin my wheels. I give it some thought on a regular basis. I do know I’ve much more to provide. I’m leaving some huge cash on the desk, I’m leaving nice fights on the desk, nevertheless it’s like, that’s the rationale I’m strolling away. Am I going to be the world champion? To get one other title shot? I’ve had three.
“To get one other one goes to be powerful, and I don’t know if I’ve it in me to place collectively that win streak. However I’ve nice fights left in me. So I’m strolling away once I suppose I’m at my greatest proper now. I simply fought Islam tooth and nail, had an awesome combat, and I really feel like I can nonetheless beat him. I can beat him, I believe. Nevertheless it’s simply time.
“I’m a father. I wish to have one other child. And I wish to do issues outdoors of the octagon. If I’m not going to be the world champion, then I’m simply exhibiting up for a paycheck, and that’s not who I wish to be.”
However whereas Poirier will likely be unhappy to go away the game, it’s not all unhealthy information, as a result of as soon as he formally retires from MMA, Poirier has massive plans on precisely who he needs to be; specifically, swoll.
“This would be the final time I’m ever 155 kilos in my life,” Poirier joked. “I can promise you that. Hear, I’m getting on steroids. As soon as USADA stops knocking on my door, and I lay the gloves down, I’m getting jacked and tan.
“That’s the reality. My spouse’s like, ‘No, you’re not.’ I’m getting on it. That’s the sincere fact.”
Poirier will not be the one fighter who was able to embrace performance-enhancing medicine as soon as they had been out of competitors, as Donald Cerrone famously did just that. However that’s not all Poirier intends to do in retirement, as a result of whereas he’s stepping away from competitors, he’s not leaving MMA.
“I like the game. I watch each combat,” Poirier stated. “Not simply UFC, each group. I watch all the things. I’m an enormous fan of the game and I adore it, and all the time have been. I wish to keep linked to it in some way. Hopefully, maintain getting on with ESPN or working the desk, simply to remain across the sport and be a voice in it, as a result of it’s created the life I’ve. All I do know is that this. I don’t have another — so talking about it and being linked is one thing that’s vital to me.
“I don’t know if I’m ever going to open a health club or something like that. That’s not a ardour of mine. However I might love to assist fighters. I’ll nonetheless return to American Prime Workforce and assist guys with fights, native guys in Louisiana, their upcoming fights, I attempt to assist out as a lot as I can, as a result of combating was a car to develop into who I’m now, and to get me out of the place I used to be. I do know it may be that for different folks, so I wish to assist them in that journey into the unknown of combating. It’s stunning when it really works out, and it’s stunning when it doesn’t, in case you embrace all of it.”
UFC 318 takes place on July 19 at Smoothie King Heart in New Orleans.
