Dustin Poirier says he will decide on his future in August amid speculation that he could retire.
Poirier suffered a fifth-round submission loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 as he missed out on the UFC Lightweight Title. It was the third time Poirier missed out on the belt, having previously lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 in 2019 and another loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 in 2021.
Justin Gaethje also knocked out Poirier at UFC 291 as he missed out on the BMF Title. After the Islam loss, Poirier suggested this could be his final fight. However, he did backtrack on that, saying he was interested in some fights. He called for the Makhachev rematch and fights with Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor. But any decision over his future will be made in August.
“Me and my wife said [to each other], when we get back from vacation, we will [decide]. Obviously, you’re drinking and eating whatever you want on vacation. So, we’ll clean it up. I’ll go 30 days, August, and just make a decision after that. Get in shape, see how I feel, and we’ll see man. I don’t know [what I’ll do].
“I need to make a solid decision so I can get myself out of the limbo. I’m still kind of fighting myself every day, not sure what I’m doing… I’m supposed to have surgery on my nose in October. But, if something, if I made a decision or something came up, popped up, I can push it back or whatever. I’m just thinking, who is there for me to fight?” Poirier saidÂ
Reaction
I’m not ready for Dustin Poirier’s retirement pic.twitter.com/1dNSU9TK0U
— Squid Vicious MMA (@SquidViciousMMA) May 7, 2024
1 more
— 🇵🇷KING (@JMTHECRYPTOKING) July 31, 2024
He don’t need the money. I can see maybe 1 more then done
— Jim (@FukingCasuals) July 31, 2024