UFC 318 headliner Dustin Poirier’s final post-fight interview with Joe Rogan already took place.
Dustin Poirier will get a hometown sendoff when he faces BMF titleholder Max Holloway in a trilogy this weekend at UFC 318. Poirier will look to end his career with a third victory over Holloway after winning their first two career matchups.
Despite the fanfare and hype surrounding Poirier’s last fight in the Octagon, UFC 318 will feature a notable absence in UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who has spoken with Poirier after many of the highlights and lowlights of his career.
Dustin Poirier expresses disappointment in Joe Rogan’s absence from UFC 318
As of this writing, it’s uncertain why Rogan will miss his usual U.S. pay-per-view post alongside Daniel Cormier and play-by-play broadcaster Jon Anik. Retired lightweight Paul Felder will fill Rogan’s void on the call this weekend at UFC 318.
Former UFC star Josh Thomson speculates that Rogan will attend UFC 318 as a fan as he takes the night off from his UFC broadcasting duties. Rogan has attended several events as a fan in recent years, most notably for two UFC Fight Night events in Austin, TX.
Since Poirier’s UFC debut at UFC 125, he and Rogan have shared numerous moments together in the cage during their careers with the promotion. While Rogan’s absence from Poirier’s UFC sendoff stings, the UFC 318 headliner believes his fellow Louisiana native’s substitution will fill the absence well.
During his UFC 318 media day press conference, Poirier weighed in on missing out on a post-fight sendoff from Rogan as he moves into retirement.
“Closing it out with Rogan would’ve been cool, but also, DC, the legend he is, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer he is, everything he brings is awesome to be able to talk to him when it’s all said and done,” Poirier said.
“Another Louisiana boy in New Orleans, so it’s special.”
Poirier hasn’t detailed his retirement plans once he officially drops the gloves after UFC 318. He’s hinted at potentially moving into a coaching role, but Poirier will also likely be a growing presence on UFC broadcasts.
As for Rogan’s next pay-per-view broadcasting appearance, barring an unforeseen circumstance, he’s expected to return to the desk for UFC 319 next month in Chicago. The card is headlined by a middleweight title matchup between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Dustin Poirier predicted to reverse retirement decision after UFC 318
Despite Poirier’s UFC 318 retirement all but set in stone, not everyone is sold that this will be Poirier’s last appearance in the UFC Octagon. Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling believes Islam Makhachev’s leave from the lightweight division could extend Poirier’s career a fight or two longer.
After Ilia Topuria earned the UFC lightweight belt at UFC 317, many of the division’s top contenders have an open window to a title shot. Topuria is targeting a return later this year to make his first lightweight title defense.
Poirier says he originally asked to fight Topuria at UFC 318, before the matchmakers squashed his request. A matchup between Poirier and Topuria would put two of the best boxers in UFC history against each other.