Recently retired UFC legend Dustin Poirier wishes he would’ve scrapped with three distinct names before hanging up the gloves.
Dustin Poirier‘s last UFC hurrah was a historic event at UFC 318 last Saturday in his native Louisiana. Poirier and Max Holloway completed their trilogy with an instant classic at UFC 318, with Holloway retaining his BMF title by unanimous decision.
Poirier didn’t walk back his decision to retire after UFC 318, ceremoniously leaving his gloves in the center of the Octagon as the New Orleans crowd paid respect to the all-time great. Just days removed from UFC 318, Poirier now has time to reflect on the highs and lows of his career.
Dustin Poirier wishes he fought against three UFC legends before retiring
What stands out about Poirier’s end of his UFC career is the strength of schedule he endured on his rise to superstardom. Poirier defeated the likes of Conor McGregor (2x), Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Holloway during his UFC tenure.
In addition to his legendary victories, Poirier also fought all-time greats like Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Charles Oliveira. Poirier doesn’t have many career regrets, but if he had the opportunity to rewind, he would’ve clashed with one of the greatest to ever enter the Octagon.
In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Poirier was asked to name a few fighters he wish he’d fought during his legendary career, and included two UFC Hall of Famers.
“Growing up I thought BJ Penn was the best lightweight ever,” Poirier said.
“BJ Penn in his prime, I’m surprised me and [Donald Cerrone] never fought. Nate Diaz, obviously, it was close a few times. Besides that, I fought the best of my era.
“I can sit back and say ‘I fought the best guys in the world at my weight class’.”
Despite suffering losses in 9 of his final 11 UFC fights, BJ Penn remains one of the greatest fighters in the promotion’s history. Penn, during his prime, fought all the best contenders at multiple weight classes, and was a dominant force during his lightweight title reign.
Penn entered the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015 after a legendary career in the Octagon. He retired following a loss to Clay Guida at UFC 237.
Dustin Poirier affirmed retirement decision mid-fight at UFC 318
After his UFC sendoff on Saturday, Poirier admitted that his decision to retire was the right one. In a recent appearance on The Bohnfire podcast, Poirier revealed that he took a self-preservation approach at UFC 318 for the first time in his career.
Poirier’s UFC 318 retirement was nearly cut short when Holloway knocked him down twice in the opening round. Former UFC champ Aljamain Sterling later claimed that Holloway ‘pulled back’ punches on Poirier intentionally.
One of Poirier’s former rivals, Michael Johnson, wants to fight Holloway after their wins at UFC 318. As of this writing, Holloway hasn’t responded to Johnson’s recent callout.