Former UFC star Dustin Poirier has opened up about the emotional challenges of adjusting to life after retirement, admitting that the transition has been far from straightforward.
Poirier (30-10, 1 NC MMA, 22-9, 1 NC UFC) officially ended his legendary MMA career following his loss to Max Holloway in their BMF title fight. After 32 appearances inside the Octagon, "The Diamond" walked away as one of the most respected lightweights in UFC history, despite falling short in three bids to capture the undisputed 155-pound championship.
Since retiring, Poirier has remained closely involved with the sport, working as a desk analyst on UFC broadcasts and making recurring appearances on UFC on Paramount's Deep Waters podcast.
Speaking with Full Send MMA, the former interim lightweight champion reflected on the mental adjustment of no longer preparing for fights.
"I'm trying to navigate it, bro. I'm good. Some days I'm great. Some days I'm not so good. It's just, it's up and down, honestly. Fighting has changed me forever. And in good and bad ways," Poirier said.
The Louisiana native explained that he's now focused on embracing family life while pursuing opportunities outside of competition—things he was forced to put on hold during his fighting career.
"(I'm) just trying to get into a groove of being a father, being home more. Working on things outside of fighting, things that I put on the back burner that I couldn't for so many years. Just staying busy, man."
Poirier also revealed that staying productive has become essential to maintaining his mental well-being, admitting he struggles when he doesn't have clear goals to pursue.
"I got to keep my mind busy. I'm a danger. I've said this before. People have heard me say this, but I'm a danger if I don't have anything circled on my calendar. If I'm not working towards something, trying to better myself and my family, I'm a danger to myself."
