Dustin Poirier's last stand at UFC 318 as family awaits a new champion
Dustin Poirier, the pride of Lafayette, Louisiana, has confirmed what MMA fans have long dreaded: win or lose, his July 19th clash with Max Holloway at UFC 318 will be his final walk to the Octagon. The announcement is as heartfelt as it is seismic. Poirier's decision is rooted not just in the wear and tear of 19 years in the cage but in the joy of family, as he and his wife await the arrival of their baby boy.
'This is the last one. 19 years in, man. Had my first cage fight in 2007… my wife's pregnant right now… my wife's pregnant with a boy. So there's a lot going on, man,' Poirier shared, his words echoing across the MMA world and signaling the end of an era.
UFC 318, set in New Orleans' Smoothie King Center, is more than just another PPV; it celebrates Poirier's legacy and a high-octane send-off against a familiar foe. Max Holloway, the BMF champion and former featherweight king, stands across from Poirier for the third, and likely final, time, with the 'Baddest Motherf***er' belt on the line. Their rivalry is storied: Poirier submitted a young Holloway in their 2012 featherweight debut, then outdueled him in a five-round war for the interim lightweight title in 2019. Now, with the series at 2-0 for Poirier, Holloway seeks redemption, and Poirier seeks closure in front of his home crowd.
UFC CEO Dana White has clarified that UFC 318 is Poirier's night. 'He has achieved a great deal in this sport. To be honest, this event is for him. He expressed a desire to have his final fight in New Orleans, and that's precisely what we're doing,' White said. The card, though criticized for lacking depth, is anchored by this main event, which promises fireworks and emotion in equal measure. For Poirier, the chance to retire in Louisiana, where his journey began, is a fitting bookend to a remarkable career.
From Lafayette to Legend: The Poirier Story
Poirier's professional journey began in 2007, and by 2009 he was already making waves, racking up seven finishes in his first seven fights. He entered the UFC in 2011, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite thanks to his relentless style and willingness to embrace chaos. His first UFC main event came against 'The Korean Zombie,' Chan Sung Jung, in a Fight of the Night war that, despite ending in defeat, only cemented his reputation for heart and grit.
Poirier's career is a testament to resilience. He rebuilt after tough losses, moved up from featherweight to lightweight, and embarked on a run that saw him topple legends like Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Conor McGregor. His 2019 interim lightweight title win over Holloway stands as a career highlight, and though the undisputed gold eluded him in battles with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, Poirier's legacy is secure.
Poirier's impact goes beyond wins and losses. He's tied for fourth most post-fight bonuses in UFC history, a testament to his all-action style. He's a philanthropist, a role model, and a fighter's fighter, respected by peers and adored by fans. His career is a highlight reel of grit, adversity, and triumph, and his willingness to step away for family only adds to his legend.
Poirier's Retirement Is MMA's Most Bittersweet Goodbye
In a sport defined by comebacks and retirements that rarely stick, Poirier's decision feels different. He's walking away on his terms, with his health, his dignity, and his family as his next championship. 'I'm going to lay the gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me. The whole journey started there and I'm just honored to have the UFC on the same page and the state of Louisiana on the same page to make all this work,' Poirier said.
As the MMA world braces for one last 'Diamond' performance, the stakes are clear: legacy, family, and the chance to say goodbye in front of those who matter most. Whether his hand is raised or not, Poirier's place among the all-time greats is secure—and his next chapter, as a father and legend, begins the moment the cage door closes behind him.
Related: Elijah Smith vs. Toshiomi Kazama headlines new UFC Vegas 109 clash on August 9th
Related: UFC Atlanta crowd sets the bar high by shattering gate and attendance records
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
ESPN analyst puts Rams WR Puka Nacua in 'elite' tier
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua is reaching rarified air as he enters his third NFL season. The former fifth-round pick is coming off another great year despite missing six games after he finished with 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns. Now, he'll line up alongside veteran Davante Adams with Matthew Stafford still throwing him the ball in 2025. While there is debate as to whether or not Nacua is one of the best receivers in the league already, ESPN's Kevin Clark believes the Rams' star is already among other elite pass-catchers and put him on his second tier of receivers alongside A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb and Nico Collins. Nacua proved in just two seasons that he can be one of the best receivers in the league. Not only did he produce all over the field in 2024, but he also had 115 receptions for first downs. Nacua moved the chains on 17% of the routes he ran, too, which outpaced every other receiver in the league this past season. Regardless of where he lands among the pantheon of receivers, there's no debating that Nacua is one of the top young pass-catchers in the NFL. He's only 24 years old and is already Stafford's No. 1 target — even with Adams in tow. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Puka Nacua in 'elite' WR tier, per ESPN analyst
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NFL training camp 2025: Shedeur Sanders, Browns rookies reporting Friday
The 2025 NFL season is right around the corner. Teams have officially begun reporting to training camp across the league. Some franchises have their rookies report first, while others just go straight to full squad. Yahoo Sports is on the road this summer hitting camps across the country, and we're rounding up the news, updates, position battles, contract drama and more you need to know. Off we go! Top storylines of NFL training camp NFL training camp tracker NFL training camp report dates Wednesday, July 16 Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, July 19 Detroit Lions Monday, July 21 Kansas City Chiefs | Dallas Cowboys Tuesday, July 22 Buffalo Bills | Miami Dolphins | New England Patriots | New York Jets | Baltimore Ravens | Cincinnati Bengals | Cleveland Browns | Houston Texans | Indianapolis Colts | Jacksonville Jaguars | Tennessee Titans | Denver Broncos | Las Vegas Raiders | New York Giants | Philadelphia Eagles | Washington Commanders | Chicago Bears | | Green Bay Packers | Minnesota Vikings | Carolina Panthers | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Rams | San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks Wednesday, July 23 Pittsburgh Steelers | Atlanta Falcons Top NFL training camp storylines How will Browns' quarterback competition end? Joe Flacco appears to be the favorite, Kenny Pickett is a veteran with a shot, Dillon Gabriel was the higher of the two draft picks this past spring, and Shedeur Sanders is, well, Shedeur Sanders. Whoever wins, it'll be buzzy. Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey join up with Steelers Two of the biggest offseason additions happened in June, and the Steelers are counting on them to help lift the franchise higher than a first-round exit and into genuine Super Bowl contention. Will Terry McLaurin get a new deal? Terry McLaurin had his best season last year and is now entering the final year of his current contract. But there's been little movement on an extension, despite McLaurin sitting out of minicamp in June to send a message. "I've been pretty frustrated, I'm not gonna lie," McLaurin said Tuesday. The question Washington must answer: How long will he stay that way? What's up with contract extensions for Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson? T.J. Watt got his historic contract extension. Now attention turns toward two other star pass rushers, Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson. The Cowboys notoriously slow-play retaining their star talent, so while it feels like a Parsons deal will get done, the fact it hasn't is notable. And the Bengals and Hendrickson are talking again, so there's that. How fast will all second-round picks sign? A handful of second-round picks from this past draft have now signed, after the first two that did had their contracts fully guaranteed. The rest are pushing for as much guaranteed money as possible, and thus far it's benefited the players greatly. How will George Pickens incorporate with Cowboys? Dak Prescott is hyped to throw to newly acquired wide receiver George Pickens, especially with CeeDee Lamb already in the same offense. Will we see early fireworks at camp and in preseason from this connection? How will J.J. McCarthy look as Vikings QB? After missing last year (on-field, at least) due to injury, J.J. McCarthy takes the reins as QB1 in Minnesota. Will the 2024 10th overall pick reward the faith of head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who let Sam Darnold walk this offseason? And if he doesn't, could a Kirk Cousins reunion be in line? How will Jaguars use Travis Hunter? The second overall pick of the draft has spent the majority of his time on offense this offseason and has gotten defensive snaps when the daily plan called for it. We'll get more information on how the Jaguars will use him this month. How soon can Jaxson Dart start? Russell Wilson is QB1 with the Giants to start training camp. But first-round pick Jaxson Dart has prototype physical traits and could push to begin his inevitable takeover of the job sooner rather than later. Ben Johnson's first year with Bears, Caleb Williams Chicago wanted an offensive mastermind to pair with its first overall pick from 2024. Ben Johnson is that guy, having helmed the Lions' prolific offense the past few seasons. What will he look like as a head coach with a talent like Williams? Raiders' new-look offense gets installed Geno Smith is the quarterback. Ashton Jeanty is the running back. Brock Bowers is arguably TE1 leaguewide already. Chip Kelly is the new offensive coordinator. The Raiders should be entertaining as hell on offense. We get our first true glimpses very soon. Sam Darnold takes over in Seattle The Seahawks' $100(.5) million QB is the centerpiece of an overhaul that took place this offseason. Klint Kubiak will be calling plays, DK Metcalf is gone, and the offense as a whole will look different. The biggest piece will be Darnold, who can either prove the first 16 games last year were his real self — and not the last two. NFL training camp tracker
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Luke Keaschall, Dylan Lee and Jordan Lawlar
FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS Luke Keaschall (2B Twins): Rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues After nearly three months off due to a fractured forearm suffered on a HBP, Keaschall is back playing baseball again and will resume partaking in official games as he kicks off a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday. Most likely, he'll stay there at least a week. If it doesn't look like he's missed a beat, he could rejoin the Twins afterwards. If he's slow out of the gate, then maybe he'll be optioned to the minors for a spell. Still, we're going to hope here for the former scenario. It wasn't perfectly clear that Keachall was ready for the majors when he got the call just three weeks into the season, but he certainly looked the part, opening up on a six-game hitting streak before getting hurt in his seventh game. Most impressive was that he walked five times and struck out just twice in 26 plate appearances. He was 5-for-5 stealing bases. He went without a homer, but he had two barrels and five other hard-hit balls among his 17 balls in play. Just those seven games still place him seventh in WAR among the Twins' 18 position players with at least 20 plate appearances this season. And that's why he really ought to get another chance quickly. Give him the spot of Brooks Lee or Ty France or Trevor Larnach and let him go. He's not going to be a big power hitter just yet, but he can certainly help a team currently ranked 21st in the majors in OBP and 26th in steals. It'll be some time before it pays off, but he should be stashed now. Dylan Lee (RP Braves): Rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues Which reliever not currently closing has the best chance of sliding into the closer's role because of a trade deadline move? Let's throw out some names: Angels: Reid DetmersAthletics: Elvis Alvarado?Guardians: Cade SmithOrioles: Yennier Cano (assuming Seranthony Domínguez is gone)Rays: Edwin Uceta, Kevin Kelly, eventually Drew Ramsussen?Red Sox: Jordan HicksRoyals: Lucas ErcegTwins: Griffin Jax Braves: Dylan LeeCardinals: JoJo Romero, Riley O'Brien (Phil Maton goes, too, if Ryan Helsley goes)D-backs: Shelby Miller or Ryan Thompson if they eventually come back healthyMarlins: Calvin Faucher (if Ronny Henríquez and Anthony Bender are both traded)Nationals: Brad LordPirates: Carmen Mlodzinksi, Braxton Ashcraft (Dennis Santana is a goner)Reds: Tony Santillan, Scott Barlow (also both trade candidates) Of everyone here, I'd say Lee is the best bet. Raisel Iglesias seems much more likely to be traded than Aroldis Chapman, Emmanuel Clase or Ryan Helsley, and unlike some other guys here, Lee is a clear No. 2 on the depth chart. Lord is also rather interesting, since Kyle Finnegan is very likely to be dealt, but I think he's a breakdown candidate after a heavy first-half workload in his first stint as a reliever. Jax, along with Smith, probably has the most upside of the group, but I don't think the Twins will wind up selling. Erceg is also intriguing, but the Royals will probably keep Carlos Estévez and try to hang in the race unless these next 10 days go badly. Jordan Lawlar (SS Diamondbacks): Rostered in 7% of Yahoo leagues That Lawlar hasn't already been picked up in more leagues is an obvious reaction to his latest injury, a Grade 1 hamstring strain that has had him on the shelf for Triple-A Reno since June 26. There haven't really been any updates on his status since, but players typically return from Grade 1 strains within a month, meaning Lawlar should be about ready to join the Diamondbacks infield right around the trade deadline, when the team is nearly certain to ship out free agent-to-be Eugenio Suárez. Lawlar's first major league stint this season saw him go hitless in 19 at-bats, but that was in a bit role. He'll play regularly next time around, and he'll show off the power-speed combination that has allowed him to amass 17 homers and 22 steals to go along with a .334/.420/.590 line in 81 career Triple-A games. The durability concerns are real and might need to be factored into his long-term dynasty value, but if he's up on Aug. 1 as hoped, he could be good for around eight homers and a dozen steals over the final third of the season. Waiver Wire Quick Hits - The Rockies' Ezequiel Tovar is only 46% rostered in Yahoo leagues as he returns from his second IL stint of the year. That's above my threshold for being featured in this column, but he needs to be picked up in leagues in which he's available. He's been somewhat disappointing in his 32 games while healthy, but he was plenty useful last year and he really should be better now; his strikeout rate is just 22%, compared to 29% last year, and his hard-hit rate has jumped from 40% to 44%. Statcast gives him an xBA of .303 and an xSLG of .500. - I featured Shane Bieber seven weeks ago before his setback in his return from Tommy John, so I won't do it again now. However, he's back on a rehab assignment, having thrown two scoreless innings Tuesday, and he's currently available in 64% of Yahoo leagues. He could turn out to be pretty helpful during the final two months.
