Saturday night could play host to Dustin Poirier‘s final fight.
A professional fighter dating back to 2009 and a UFC athlete since 2011, it’s been a long road for the former UFC interim lightweight champion. After tapping out in two undisputed title fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, Poirier aims to deliver on his third try, this time against current champ Islam Makhachev at UFC 302.
Making his way into fight week, Poirier has long coined “The Boss” by James Brown as his walk-out song, having it play for whatever arena he finds himself fighting in. This weekend, it’s a little different for the New Jersey fans from the Prudential Center who will hear late singer Willie Spence’s cover of “Diamonds” by Rihanna in addition to Brown’s “The Boss”.
“I’m gonna do a mashup, it’s happening,” Poirier said of his walk-out song at UFC 302 media day. “I’ve been seeing all the fans tag me on all kinds of stuff on IG and Twitter, and man, the dude’s voice is incredible. And I just think another title fight… lights are off, hear that powerful voice, I come out…. it’s just time.”
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“Lafayette Street. Lafayette’s in the house. I become the world champion,” Poirier added.
No first-time champion would have had the UFC tenure Poirier has with 30 UFC fights on his record with #31 quickly approaching on Saturday. Poirier will look to “shine bright like a diamond”, living up to his iconic nickname and walkout song choice.
The status of a world champion is the last thing Poirier needs to finish off what is already a UFC Hall-Of-Fame worthy career. Whether he walks out of Newark “And New” or not, a big question being asked to Poirier right now is will he step away from fighting forever after UFC 302?
Poirier says his decision to retire, when it’s time for him to make it, won’t depend on his performance on fight night but rather the heat of the moment: the thrill of a dream come true or the agony of a third title defeat.
“It’s feelings based,” Poirier said regarding what will cause him to walk away from the sport he so loves. “You know, do I want to do this again? Because I love it. I’m scared to not be able to have that opportunity to do it again. But, I also know… every time I get in there, I’m leaving pieces I can’t get back. I say this over and over again, but I really mean it, this isn’t good for you, and I understand that. And would I do it again? 100%? It’s giving me everything I have, and I love it, and it’s taught me so much.
“But, I’m 35 years old, and I have a daughter who’s about to be eight years old. I have businesses, my family, my wife’s, I’m sure is tired of me being gone and being in training camp and being stressed out about another fight. I’m tired of missing soccer practices, cheer performances, birthday parties. I want to be there for my family and to be in a routine, and I’m very thankful for fighting. And like I said, I would do it again, but at what point am I giving too much?”
Dustin Poirier will give it all he has against UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Will the golden-gloved “Diamond” conquer the final boss, come fight night?
😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨@MAKHACHEVMMA | @DustinPoirier | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/KrpLOGBbzw
— UFC (@ufc) May 29, 2024
