Dustin poirier retired from MMA in 2025. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil)
Considered one of the greatest names in the history of MMA, Dustin poirier ended up announcing retirement after the trilogy against Max Holloway, when he competed for the BMF belt and ended up losing for the first time to his compatriot. The decision saddened many fans, who believed in the veteran's longevity in the sport that had been so successful over the years.
When asked about how he handles decisions and life after no longer playing professionally for the UFC, Dustin didn't hesitate to admit that routine has been a difficult part of adapting. Contrary to what he imagined, retirement hasn't brought mental relief or ease to daily life.
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"Yeah, it's harder than I thought it would be. I thought it would be a relief. When I finally put the gloves down and I don't have this weight on my shoulders, or this cloud over my head about getting better, or whatever comes next, there's another fighter training to compete against me. That's been in my mind for 20 years. I thought it would be a relief and a relief, and that life would start differently, but it hasn't happened yet," Poirier told MMA Fighting.
Continuing his speech, Poirier ended by stating that the fire is still burning inside his fighting mind. During a dramatic and thoughtful statement, the athlete lamented not having the opportunity to "right his ship" after appearances in the Octagon.
“Maybe I'm still processing it, maybe it's taking longer than I expected, but when you do something for so long and dedicate your life to it, every day I woke up with a fire burning within me, trying to be a better fighter, get in better shape, learn new tricks, ask questions. It was a journey where I discovered a lot about myself, but I discovered it through martial arts. And then one day you wake up and it's just not there, but the fire is still there. But the fact that I won't be able to do this again—and every time I've lost in my career, I've always gotten the boat back on track, always gotten things back on track—and now, coming out of this, I know that's how it was. I don't have a chance to fix this boat anymore, I don't have a chance to put my hands in the air again.”
Dustin poirier officially retired after facing Max Holloway at UFC 318. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
Finally, the former interim lightweight champion admitted that he is still processing his new lifestyle and expressed faith that time will heal his current pains.
"I miss it more than I thought I would, and I'm still processing it all day by day. Time heals all, but I just hope to get into a better flow. I've been trying to keep my mind busy, doing things so I don't have time to sit around. But, God, I have to tell you, the days are long when I'm not waking up to train, coming home, training again, doing work on the road. It's a lifestyle. It's not just a sport I compete in, it's a way of living my life, and I'm still processing it," he concluded.
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