At UFC 318, an incredible career came to an emotional end in New Orleans.
While there were moments where Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight could have ended badly for him, he ended up getting a remarkable send off last month.
‘The Diamond’ made it clear ahead of time that this would be the final outing of his career regardless of the outcome of his BMF title fight.
Poirier has already set his sights on a career path that will keep him busy now that he’ll no longer be an active fighter, but he does have other pursuits away from mixed martial arts that he’s continuing to maintain.
Dustin Poirier admits that he’s always going back and forth on his decision to retire from MMA
In 2018, Dustin Poirier and his wife founded the Good Fight Foundation, a charity which he continued to run during his time as one of the top stars on the UFC roster.
‘The Diamond’ stated following his retirement that the charity would continue now that he’d be able to give some more time to it, though it would no longer get some exposure by him talking about what they’re working towards during the media attention that he’d get in the UFC.
One of the hallmarks of the charity has been their back-to-school supply drive, where the Good Fight Foundation is able to give away backpacks containing essential supplies to families that need support.
On August 5, Poirier was there to help carry out their fifth annual back-to-school event where he gave some thoughts to local news station KLFY.com.
When he was asked about his recent retirement and how he’s been feeling ever since UFC 318, he admitted that his attitude towards hanging up the gloves for good has alternated since his last dance.
“Feeling good. Most of my injuries from the fight are pretty much gone. My hand’s still a little sore, but everything’s good. The retirement thing comes in waves. One day I’ll be fine with it doing yard work, the next day I’ll be like, I need to be in the gym. It’s kind of like I’m battling myself, but it is what it is.”
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Fans praise Dustin Poirier for continuing his charity work after retirement
While Dustin Poirier gave UFC fans some incredible memories during his career, the amount of love and respect that was there for him when he retired wasn’t just because of what he achieved inside the Octagon.
Whether it’s through his charitable work or the way he conducted himself, fans and his fellow fighters clearly hold ‘The Diamond’ in high esteem.
This was reflected in the responses to the video posted by KLFY’s Johnathan Bulot, which showed Poirier carrying out the back-to-school drive.
‘Class act always.’
‘You can‘t hate the diamond. Truly one of the best fighters of all time, no wonder why every opponent he faced respects him.’
‘How could you hate this man.’
‘Diamonds are forever.’