Dustin Poirier refused to close the door on his legendary MMA career after losing his final chance at undisputed gold.
The former interim lightweight champion had never been able to claim the full 155lb title heading into his bout with Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 302 in Newark. And in the case of tasting defeat at the third time of asking, he was expected to retire in the octagon.
And while he did flirt with the idea, he was unclear about whether or not he will compete again after an iconic 40-fight run. The beloved American has headlined around the world against all of the greatest, and was a part of many of the company’s biggest ever pay-per-view events.
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Dustin Poirier forced to submit by Islam Makhachev in UFC 302 main event
Fans were more than eager to see ‘The Diamond’ finally etch his name into the history books at the Prudential Center on Saturday night. Even former president Donald Trump couldn’t miss the fight days after being convicted on 34 felony charges in a New York court as he took his place cageside.
But it wasn’t to be despite a valiant effort that saw him stuff a number of his rival’s takedown attempts and cause serious damage to the dominant Russian. Makhachev has lost just once as a professional, and never looked in doubt on the night despite a valiant effort from Poirier.
The American never gave up trying for the underdog finish, but was forced into a D’arce choke halfway through the fifth round to which he appeared to go out before tapping. The victory earned Makhachev a spot in the history books as he tied the long-standing record for lightweight title defences.
Poirier’s efforts saw him bloody his rival with a number of shots, but his striking was stifled by the constant threat of a takedown. He managed to get off solid offence at times, but couldn’t fully commit for fear of ending up under that brutal pressure of Makhachev.
Dustin Poirier refuses to make firm retirement commitment after gruelling UFC 302 loss
The entire pre-fight build-up was based on the idea that Poirier would be hanging up the gloves in the case of a loss. After three failed efforts at winning the gold and heading past the age of 35, he is highly unlikely to get another shot at the sport’s most coveted prize.
But while he did make something of a retirement speech, he wasn’t willing to place down his gloves and explicitly state that it was to be his last time stepping into the cage. “I know I can compete with the best of these guys,” he told Joe Rogan in an emotional post-fight interview.
“It’s just that if I do fight again what am I fighting for? Just to fight? I’ve done that 50 times. I don’t know, I’ve got a little girl I love and I’ve got to see. I think this could be it, honestly Joe.”
And in the case of it being his final octagon outing, Poirier was keen to pay tribute to the women in his life including his wife Jolie and other family members. “I’m not 100 per cent but if this is my last fight, I want to dedicate this journey to the people that made me the man I am,” he continued.
“That’s the women in my life; to my grandmother, I miss you every day and I know I’m still protected by your prayers. To my mother, I know we’ve had a crazy life, I love you, thanks for always having my back.
“And to my wife, I love you so much. I wouldn’t be standing right here without you and, babe, Jolie, I don’t know if I’d be breathing if it wasn’t for you. And to Parker, Daddy’s fine, I love you so much, I’m so proud of you, we’re alright baby. Always chase your dreams, it’s beautiful things.”