July 19 will see Dustin Poirier make the walk to the Octagon one last time.
It’s sure to be an emotional send-off for ‘The Diamond’ but Poirier is looking forward to leaving fighting behind after dedicating so much of his life to MMA.
Poirier has put together a great UFC career and at UFC 318, he has the perfect way to close out the final chapter.
The former interim lightweight champion will be fighting in his home state against a fellow legend of the sport in Max Holloway.
Poirier and Holloway have a lot of respect for one another but just like they have done in the past, they’ll put that to the side once the cage door closes on Saturday night.
Dustin Poirier sets the tone for UFC 318 fight week in first face-off with Max Holloway
We’ve already seen Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway go back and forth in one of the best UFC title fights of all time.
Their clash for the BMF title at UFC 318 promises to be another instant classic but there is far from any tension between the two men.
Of course, winning is still the one and only focus for them as Holloway prepares to take on the role of spoiler when ending Poirier’s career in a defeat.
Just like in their previous meeting at UFC 236 in 2019 where the interim lightweight title was on the line, the stakes and emotions heading into this one aren’t going to change the fact that they have a lot of respect for one another.
The first of several fight week face-offs proved this as Poirier and Holloway went face-to-face when putting some promotional material together in New Orleans.
After looking into the eyes of his final opponent, ‘The Diamond’ had just one thing to say to Holloway to set the tone for the remainder of fight week.
“One more time, big dog.”
Former UFC fighter suggests theory on Joe Rogan’s absence from UFC 318
As fight fans from around the world tune in for Dustin Poirier’s final UFC fight, they may be surprised to not hear Joe Rogan calling the action.
The long-time UFC commentator will seemingly not be making the trip to New Orleans, as MMA Junkie reported that he won’t be working the broadcast.
In a post on social media, former UFC fighter Josh Thomson speculated that Rogan may have made the decision to watch ‘The Diamond’ in his retirement fight as a fan first and foremost.
While Rogan doesn’t travel for international events, this will be the first PPV event in the United States that he hasn’t called since UFC 271 in February of 2022.