Daniel Cormier explains why Dustin Poirier's retirement fight will be 'hardest' to call
Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) challenges Max Holloway (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC) for the BMF title in Saturday's main event (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The pair will fight for a third time in Poirier's home state after "The Diamond" beat Holloway twice before.
Like Poirier, Cormier is born in Lafayette, La. He opened up on his special bond with Poirier, which dates back to 2011.
"It's one that I hate that we're having to do, because Dustin's been so important to martial arts, but everybody has their time," Cormier told MMA Junkie. "I'm lucky enough to be there when it happens and be right next to the octagon or in the octagon when it happens. I've had to do some pretty emotional ones before in my career, but I think this one will probably be the hardest because I met Dustin way back after I beat Jeff Monson.
"I ran into him at a gym in Lafayette, and to see what he's become, it's outstanding. Everybody has their time. I'm just happy Dustin understands when his number has been called and when it's time to walk away, that he can be comfortable with the decision he's making. He's got the red carpet rolled out for him fighting at home, it doesn't get better than that."
Poirier insists that even if he beats Holloway and claims the BMF title, he has no intentions of fighting again – and Cormier believes him.
"I think he's done," Cormier said. "It sounds like a man who has come to peace with what's happening. A man who knows his time has come. His number has been called. We all get a certain amount of time in fighting. Generally the game does away with the athlete. Seems like Dustin Poirier knows that his time is here, and he wants to make sure he's done before the game is done with him.
"I like that. I like hearing that from DP. I like hearing how sure he is that the career is probably over. I like it. I like seeing a guy that recognizes it's time. I know because I'm a guy that walked into his last fight knowing it was over. It's done. I'm not doing this no more. There's a peace in knowing when your time comes."
To hear more from Cormier, check out his complete appearance on "The Bohnfire" podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
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