Coach Mike Brown believes Dustin Poirier’s fight at UFC 318 might not be his last combat sports chapter.
UFC superstar Dustin Poirier will return to the Octagon in July at UFC 318 against BMF titleholder Max Holloway in New Orleans. It’s been branded as Poirier’s retirement fight, as Poirier has repeatedly assured the UFC fanbase that UFC 318 will be his last appearance inside the Octagon.
Poirier returns to the cage for the first time since a loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, dropping to 0-3 in lineal lightweight title fights. After UFC 302, Poirier leaned towards retirement, before pivoting towards one more fight before hanging up the gloves.
But Poirier’s longtime coach isn’t 100 percent certain if UFC 318 will be the final fight of his legendary career.
Coach Mike Brown admits an ‘enticing’ offer could lure Dustin Poirier for another fight
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, coach Mike Brown opened the door to Poirier continuing to fight after UFC 318.
“I mean, I think so. You can never say never, but he’s done really well for himself. He’s made a boatload of money. He’s set,” Brown said of Poirier.
“He doesn’t need to fight. So it would have to be something pretty enticing. I mean, that could always happen, but I think he’s content with his accomplishments and content with the money he has made and what he’s done.” (h/t MMA Junkie)
One of the remaining missing pieces of Poirier’s legacy is Holloway’s BMF title, which will be on the line at UFC 318. Despite Holloway losing to Ilia Topuria in his last fight at UFC 308, his BMF title wasn’t technically up for grabs, opening the door for Poirier to win it before walking away.
This isn’t the first time Poirier has challenged for the BMF belt during his career. He fought for the then-vacant BMF belt at UFC 291, losing to Justin Gaethje by head kick knockout.
Some have speculated that if Poirier wins the BMF belt at UFC 318, the BMF title could be retired altogether as Poirier hangs up the gloves. Poirier’s longtime teammate, Jorge Masvidal, won the inaugural BMF belt at UFC 244.
Dustin Poirier left UFC Vegas 107 star busted up after ‘light sparring’
As Poirier moves closer to what could be his last UFC fight, he left fellow lightweight Mateusz Gamrot beaten up in light sparring ahead of UFC Vegas 107. Gamrot faces Ludovit Klein this weekend in the UFC Vegas 107 co-main event after months of calling for a booking.
Poirier’s ‘light sparring’ with Gamrot shows he’s serious about what could be his last appearance in the Octagon at UFC 318. Poirier holds two previous wins over Holloway, including an interim lightweight title win at UFC 236.
Poirier could potentially explore other options, outside of MMA, after UFC 318. One of the top boxers in the UFC, Poirier could get some intriguing big-money offers to compete in the ring.