UFC star Dustin Poirier is inching closer to a return to the Octagon for his potential fighting finale.
Dustin Poirier‘s third bid at achieving lineal UFC championship status fell short in his most recent Octagon appearance in June. After initially teasing retirement, Poirier has at least one more fight left in the tank before he ultimately ends a likely UFC Hall of Fame career.
Since losing to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, Poirier has gone back and forth on whether or not he wants to continue fighting. After initially seeming content in his decision to walk away, he’s pivoted on that stance and wants at least one more high-profile fight before calling it quits.
A few names have been tossed around for Poirier’s retirement fight opponent, including a potential trilogy with Justin Gaethje. UFC CEO Dana White said that after UFC Tampa earlier this month, the promotion is actively working with Poirier to solidify his sendoff fight.
With all the speculation surrounding Poirier’s potential UFC finale, the man himself updated fans on social media curious about when an announcement will come to fruition.
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Dustin Poirier hints at looming fight announcement before UFC retirement
After one fan asked about fight news on X, Poirier responded with an encouraging, albeit one-word update.
“Soon,” Poirier replied.
Outside the Gaethje trilogy, several other top names are in the mix to be Poirier’s last opponent. This includes BMF titleholder Max Holloway, who recently announced a permanent move to lightweight following a loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.
Topuria is another potential match for Poirier if the current featherweight titleholder is serious about leaving the 145lb division for a move to lightweight. Despite a likely Alexander Volkanovski rematch in the works for his next title defense, Topuria wants to vie for double-champion status.
Before the loss to Makhachev at UFC 302, Poirier rallied to finish Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299 back in March. The win got him back on track following a nasty head-kick knockout loss to Gaethje at UFC 291 last year.
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Dustin Poirier looks to end his storybook UFC run with another signature performance
Poirier is one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history to never hoist a lineal title. During his illustrious career, he’s defeated the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, and Holloway.
Poirier has repeatedly teased retirement in recent years but seems set on making his next matchup his final Octagon appearance. He’s also hinted at a desire to make his last bout in his native Louisiana as a storybook ending to his fighting career.
News regarding Poirier’s retirement fight is expected to surface in the coming weeks.