UFC legend Dustin Poirier shared an emotional message to Mixed Martial Arts just days after his retirement fight.
Dustin Poirier was celebrated before, during, and after his final UFC fight at UFC 318 last Saturday in New Orleans. After a legendary career that included wins over some of the UFC’s greatest combatants, Poirier dropped his gloves in the Octagon under another massive spotlight as he officially announced his retirement.
Since Poirier left the arena in New Orleans, many around Mixed Martial Arts have sent congratulatory messages to the legend, including some of his former adversaries. In the hours following UFC 318, Poirier has had time to reflect on his career following his unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway in his last Octagon appearance.
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Dustin Poirier pens chilling message to MMA after UFC 318 sendoff
As Poirier begins his journey to put more energy and effort into life outside of the Octagon, he shared one last ‘thank you’ to Mixed Martial Arts.
In a recent Instagram post, Poirier shared his final message to the sport that allowed him to make his dreams become a reality.
“Letter to the game,” Poirier began.
“Thank you for allowing a kid to chase a dream. Thank you for the lessons. Thank you for the heartbreak. Thank you for a platform to raise others up.
When I started I wanted to find out how good of a fighter I can be, and I found out.
Fighting is life, Fighting is the truth.
“I’m forever grateful to have walked this path and the lessons I’ve learned will be with me until my heart stops. I’m not sure what’s next but I’ll do what you taught me, continue to walk confidently into the unknown.
“Sincerely El Diamante.”
Poirier retires as one of the greatest UFC fighters to never hold a lineal title in the promotion’s history. He made his promotional debut at UFC 125, defeating Josh Grispi by unanimous decision.
Dustin Poirier’s UFC reunion will be in a likely Hall of Fame induction
Poirier is as close as you can get to a sure-thing UFC Hall of Famer, and he’ll likely be inducted either next year or in 2027. He’ll join the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, and other legendary names who have been honored by the UFC Hall of Fame.
Poirier heard from his three-time rival, Conor McGregor, following his retirement at UFC 318. While McGregor began his social media message with a hint of cordiality, he ended it with a subtle jab at Poirier.
Next, Poirier could appear as a UFC analyst, joining the likes of Paul Felder, Chael Sonnen, and Cormier.