Dustin Poirier is set to end his UFC career with a big fight, according to Beneil Dariush.
‘The Diamond’ hasn’t fought getting choked out by lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last June.
Dustin Poirier flirted with retirement before confirming he will return for one final UFC bout.
The 40-fight veteran recently revealed a likely date and the ‘incredible’ location for the last hurrah – but he stopped short of naming an opponent after insisting it’s ‘legends only’ for his MMA swansong.
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Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway 3 leaked
While fans have been suggesting potential opponents, it appears the UFC has dialled in on one.
Long-time lightweight contender Beneil Dariush believes Max Holloway has already had that fight call.
The 35-year-old recently ruled out Poirier and Holloway as potential opponents for his next fight because they are supposed to clash in the near future.
“My understanding is Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway are going to fight,” Dariush told Submission Radio.
“That’s what I’m hearing. I don’t know if it’s 100 percent sealed and done, but that’s what I’m hearing.
Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway’s first two fights
Holloway hasn’t fought since suffering the first KO loss of his career against Ilia Topuria in October.
Still, he holds the BMF title he won by putting Justin Gaethje to sleep at UFC 300 in April 2024.
A fight for the symbolic belt certainly makes sense for Poirier, who will fancy his chances of dethroning Holloway after previously beating him twice inside the Octagon.
The legendary duo first fought at UFC 143 in January 2012, when Holloway made his promotional debut.
It was a bit of a mismatch as the 20-year-old UFC newcomer was quickly tapped out by his 11-1 opponent.
By the time they rematched in April 2019, Holloway had become the featherweight champion and defended his belt twice during a spectacular 13-fight win streak that saw him beat Jose Aldo, Charles Oliveira, and Brian Ortega.
Holloway and Poirier went to war over five rounds for the interim lightweight title at UFC 236.
It was close, competitive, and exhilarating, but Poirier ultimately walked away with a unanimous decision win.
Only time will tell if Holloway will finally get revenge or if Poirier will make it 3-0 before he retires.