- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 443,222
- Reaction score
- 44
UFC 318 is set to mark the end of an era as Dustin Poirier gears up for his retirement fight against Max Holloway. After a decorated career filled with wars, titles, and unforgettable battles, Poirier is ready to step away from the sport. Before the UFC settled on Holloway as his opponent, Poirier had been interested in a couple of other big names. The UFC 318 card, taking place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, promises to deliver fireworks, and Poirier's final bout will be for the symbolic BMF title. While the event already is expected to feature a strong lineup, Poirier vs. Holloway stands out as one of the most anticipated fights on the card.
In a recent sit-down with MMA Junkie, Dustin Poirier opened up about the process leading up to the announcement of his retirement fight. He revealed that before Max Holloway was finalized as the opponent, he had his sights set on a few other names. 'Well, I wanted — I was asking for Gaethje. I was asking Hunter in the UFC for Gaethje because we’re one and one. I wanted to close out that trilogy. For some reason, they really wanted this fight with Max. So I said, okay, that's cool because I respect the guy,' Poirier shared.
He also mentioned that Ilia Topuria’s name briefly entered his mind. 'People thought Ilia changing his name to "the legend," it might be that, but was that ever discussed at all? Not once. Not once. Actually, when he said he was going to 155, I messaged — I text Hunter, I texted UFC. I said, 'Hey, what's up? Let me know what's going on with this guy now. He's at 55.' But they never entertained it. They told me it's not happening. Uh, and they wanted Max,' Poirier explained. Reflecting on the final choice, he added, 'Like I said, this was blindsided. I thought Max was like the last person I thought they were going to try to match me up with.'
Dustin PoirierGetty Images
With respect and history between them, Poirier and Holloway are poised to put on a show worthy of a final sendoff. The two previously met in 2012, with Poirier securing a first-round submission victory, and again in 2019 for the interim lightweight title, where Poirier won by unanimous decision after a thrilling five-round war. Their past battles have only added to the anticipation for this final chapter.
Continue reading...
In a recent sit-down with MMA Junkie, Dustin Poirier opened up about the process leading up to the announcement of his retirement fight. He revealed that before Max Holloway was finalized as the opponent, he had his sights set on a few other names. 'Well, I wanted — I was asking for Gaethje. I was asking Hunter in the UFC for Gaethje because we’re one and one. I wanted to close out that trilogy. For some reason, they really wanted this fight with Max. So I said, okay, that's cool because I respect the guy,' Poirier shared.
He also mentioned that Ilia Topuria’s name briefly entered his mind. 'People thought Ilia changing his name to "the legend," it might be that, but was that ever discussed at all? Not once. Not once. Actually, when he said he was going to 155, I messaged — I text Hunter, I texted UFC. I said, 'Hey, what's up? Let me know what's going on with this guy now. He's at 55.' But they never entertained it. They told me it's not happening. Uh, and they wanted Max,' Poirier explained. Reflecting on the final choice, he added, 'Like I said, this was blindsided. I thought Max was like the last person I thought they were going to try to match me up with.'
You must be registered for see images attach
Dustin PoirierGetty Images
With respect and history between them, Poirier and Holloway are poised to put on a show worthy of a final sendoff. The two previously met in 2012, with Poirier securing a first-round submission victory, and again in 2019 for the interim lightweight title, where Poirier won by unanimous decision after a thrilling five-round war. Their past battles have only added to the anticipation for this final chapter.
Related: Anthony Smith Has Heated Exchange With Crowd Following Defeat
Related: UFC Fans React to 'Nasty Cut' on Ian Machado Garry's Face Before Fight
Related: UFC Fans React to 'Nasty Cut' on Ian Machado Garry's Face Before Fight
Continue reading...
