UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping understands what Dustin Poirier is feeling heading into UFC 318.
Dustin Poirier will walk to the Octagon for one last time this Saturday at UFC 318 against soon to be three-time rival Max Holloway. Poirier will get the chance to not only finish his career with another UFC belt, but to do it just hours from his hometown.
As the hours tick down before Poirier’s last hurrah, a UFC Hall of Famer believes there’s a lot of added pressure on the Lafayette native to perform than at any other time in his career.
Michael Bisping details pressure Dustin Poirier is under in UFC 318 farewell
Poirier has fought many UFC legends during his career, particularly in recent years. Seven of Poirier’s last ten fights have come against former UFC titleholders, and he isn’t a stranger to big moments under immense spotlights.
But Poirier will likely experience a spotlight he hasn’t had to deal with in his combat sports career as he prepares to face Holloway for the third time at UFC 318.
During a recent preview on his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping provided insight into the pressure Poirier might be feeling heading into UFC 318.
“When he retires, at only 36 years old, there’s going to be a lot of things that Dustin Poirier can do. So is the motivation still there? Of course. It’s in New Orleans, the UFC is going there specifically for Dustin Poirier, and that’s incredible. And that could be the fairy tale farewell tour, but it brings a lot of pressure, anxiety,” Bisping said of Poirier.
“You’ve got friends and family in town, they all want to see you perform. You’re the local hero. And it brings a lot of pressure! I’ve been there many times, every time I fought in England, it was a little bit more stressful.
“But I was also undefeated in England as well, you do want to do the people justice, make them proud, and it pushes you in training camp.”
Poirier has fought in Louisiana just one prior time in his UFC career, when he knocked out Yancy Medeiros with a body kick in June 2015. It was the most-recent time that the UFC has hosted an event in Louisiana entering UFC 318.
UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly explained that the promotion booked its return to New Orleans specifically at Poirier’s request. This will also be the second time that Poirier has fought for the BMF belt in his career. (UFC 291 vs. Justin Gaethje)
Dustin Poirier’s daughter wrote an adorable tribute ahead of UFC 318
Ahead of his last hurrah at UFC 318, Poirier’s eight-year-old daughter, Parker, wrote a touching tribute that has made the rounds online. During the UFC 318 Countdown episode, Parker wished her father the best at UFC 318 while adorably expressing relief in him walking away from fighting.
Poirier is expected to transition into a UFC analyst role once he hangs up the gloves after UFC 318. But he could also potentially pursue other combat sports competitions, including boxing and grappling.
One of the UFC’s most beloved stars will look to treat fans to one last signature moment at UFC 318.
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