The fat lady is beginning to clear her throat when it comes to Dustin Poirier’s career.
Poirier (30-9, 1 NC MMA; 22-8, 1 NC UFC) has stepped into the Octagon 31 times since signing with the UFC back in 2011. The former interim UFC lightweight champion has made it clear that his next fight will be his last, with speculation mounting that he may face Max Holloway in the main event of a rumored UFC card this summer in New Orleans—Poirier’s home state of Louisiana.
"I'm not emotional yet," Poirier told MMA Junkie at a training session at his American Top Team home gym in South Florida. "I'm sure as time goes, there's going to be waves of different feelings. Right now, I'm feeling confident and OK with my decision for it to be my last fight."
Poirier last fought in the main event at UFC 302 in June of last year, putting in a spirited performance against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev before ultimately being submitted in the 5th round.
"I can still do this at the top level for a few more years – there's no doubt in my mind. But what am I fighting for?" Poirier said. "Is it for a paycheck? I don't want to disrespect the sport. I've always fought to be a champion, so if it's not for a title, then it's time to going away. I was always chasing a title.
"I've been doing this for a long time. I'm good. My family's good. I want to get out of (the sport) with my faculties and be able to speak and work the (analyst) desk, be healthy for my daughter and my future kids. I just think it's time. After 18 years, 19 years in this sport, fighting tooth and nail, bleeding every week, I think it's a responsible decision and respect to the sport."
