Poirier Admits Retirement is More Challenging Than Expected

Former UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has found his retirement more challenging than he anticipated. After concluding his career in July at UFC 318, where he faced Max Holloway in Louisiana, the 36-year-old is struggling with the transition away from the Octagon.

Poirier Reflects on Retirement

Poirier, who has been in professional fighting since 2009, expressed his surprising emotions regarding retirement. He anticipated relief after stepping away but has instead felt a weight of uncertainty. “It’s harder than I thought it would be,” Poirier shared in an interview with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck. He expected to breathe easier without the constant pressure to improve or worry about the future.

Legacy in the Octagon

Throughout his 14-year career, Poirier established an impressive record. He won the interim lightweight championship and faced prominent fighters such as:

• Max Holloway
• Conor McGregor (twice)
• Eddie Alvarez
• Justin Gaethje

Additionally, he holds the distinction of earning 10 Fight of the Night bonuses, marking him as one of the top competitors in the sport. His consistent ranking in the top ten of the lightweight division solidifies his position among the greatest fighters who never captured an undisputed title.

Coping with Change

Poirier admits that he misses fighting more than he expected. He is still processing his retirement, remarking, “The days are long when I’m not waking up, training.” He has been busy to distract himself from the absence of daily training routines.

Despite his yearning to continue fighting, Poirier emphasizes that a return to MMA is unlikely. His family, especially his wife, prefers that he remains retired. “It was such a perfect send-off,” he noted about his final fight in New Orleans. “I’d be doing myself a disservice by coming back.” While he acknowledges the unpredictability of life, Poirier insists that only ideal conditions would prompt him to consider wearing gloves again.