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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Don't want to empty myself out' – Dustin Poirier reveals heartfelt fears which prompted UFC 318 retirement
DUSTIN POIRIER insists he's content with his decision to retire from mixed martial arts, That's despite still being very much at the peak of his powers. 14 Dustin Poirier will bid an emotional farewell to mixed martial arts and UFC fans this weekend Credit: GETTY 14 The fan favourite will call time on his MMA career after 18 years competing as a professional Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS 14 Poirier has fought a who's who at featherweight and lightweight Credit: GETTY 14 Poirier will walk away from the fight game with over 50 professional fights to his name Credit: GETTY The bona fide Hall of Famer's career will come to an emotional and poetic end early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 318 in New Orleans. Unlike many before him, the 36-year-old's hanging up of the gloves hasn't been prompted by the regression of his skillset or the absorption of unnecessary punishment. In his last two fights with Islam Makhachev and Benoit Saint Denis, the Lafayette, Louisiana leftie has shown that he can still mix it with the very best the lightweight division has to offer. But he's determined to walk away from the sport which has brought him fame and fortune on his terms and, more importantly, while he still has all his faculties intact. READ MORE UFC NEWS In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: "I've been fighting since I was 17 years old, so making this decision is tough. "But the decision was made because, you know, I have over 50 fights. "My wife's pregnant, I have a little girl at home. I've said this over and over again, 'I don't want this sport to retire me. "'I want to walk away from this sport.' And if that's putting only great performances and fighting and beating the best guys in the world, that's the way I want it to be. Most read in Sport JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 14 Dustin Poirier showed he can still mix it with the elite with his March 2024 KO of Benoit Saint-Denis Credit: GETTY 14 He also went four-and-a-half rounds with former pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev Credit: GETTY 14 But 'The Diamond' insists now is the right time to hang up his gloves Credit: GETTY "I want to go out on top with stuff still left in the tank. "I don't want to empty myself out and leave this game broken and bruised for a paycheck. "It's just time. I just feel like it's time, you know. I've done a lot in the sport. "And I want to be healthy and be with my family. I've been doing this for a very long time." Poirier's eagerness not to have the sport retire him is wise, given the worrying effects of traumatic brain injuries we're starting to see in some of the greats of yesteryear. The temptation to continue fighting and pursue undisputed UFC gold, the only thing which has eluded him in his run in the promotion, has been strong. Even just this week, the little devil on his left shoulder was telling him to go full 'Wolf of Wall Street' and roar: "I'm not f * ****g leaving!" He admitted: "There are moments like when I'm driving to the gym and stuff that reality sets in. "And [I'm like], 'I can't believe this is the last time I'm ever gonna do this. But my decision has been made." Poirier will likely go down as the greatest fighter to never have an undisputed UFC title wrapped around his waist. I don't want to empty myself out and leave this game broken and bruised for a paycheck." Dustin Poirier on why he's retiring from MMA 14 Dustin Poirier came up short in his first crack at undisputed UFC gold in September 2019 Credit: GETTY 14 More title heartache wouldld befall Poirier when he fought Charles Oliveira two years later Credit: GETTY 14 Third time wouldn't be the charm for Poirier when he fought Islam Makhachev last June Credit: GETTY Winning one of his three cracks at the lightweight title would've undoubtedly further cemented what is an already historic career. But those losses to "I'm grateful for everything," he said. "All the lessons I've learned and the accomplishments I've had throughout the sport. "I had a good run, I really did. And I'm proud of it." MMA retirements are often looked at with a side-eye due to the sheer number of fighters who have performed U-turns or entered the world of boxing. But with mental and physical well-being now being his top priority, Poirier insists neither will end up being the case for him. He said: "I'm still going to be in the gym, so we'll see about grappling. "If something fun came along, maybe I would do a grappling match or something like that in the future . "But [as far as] combat sports, I'm gonna protect my brain and try to age as healthy as I can after post-fighting." 14 Dustin Poirier admits he's thought about reversing his retirement decision Credit: REUTERS 14 The 37-year-old admits he doesn't know how he'll fill the void left by fighting Credit: GETTY 14 Poirier insists his retirement stretches to all forms of combat sports Credit: Getty Countless pugilists and mixed martial artists have publicly struggled with life after fighting, with many openly admitting they've suffered identity crises. Unlike many before him, Poirier has financial interests outside of fighting to keep himself busy. Although he admits: "I don't think anything's ever gonna fill that void of what fighting was throughout my career. "So that could be a little bit of struggle to be at war with something so deeply the way I've been with combat sports." The honour of being Poirier's last dance partner, fittingly, goes to a man he welcomed to the UFC 13 years ago - former featherweight champion Max Holloway. Poirier is 2-0 in his series with the Hawaiian, who was his dance partner when he claimed interim lightweight gold at UFC 236 in April 2019. That fight was a war for the ages, something Poirier believes will be the case when they collide again in their Bayou brawl this weekend. "I feel like it's gonna be a lot like the last one," he said when asked how he foresees his swansong playing out. "Back and forth on the feet, but just at a higher level and a higher IQ. "It's going to be a battle, you know. It's gonna be a battle like the second one, I'm sure." 14 Dustin Poirier will close out his career with a trilogy fight with Max Holloway Credit: GETTY
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Don't want to empty myself out' – Dustin Poirier reveals heartfelt fears which prompted UFC 318 retirement
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DUSTIN POIRIER insists he's content with his decision to retire from mixed martial arts, That's despite still being very much at the peak of his powers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 14 Dustin Poirier will bid an emotional farewell to mixed martial arts and UFC fans this weekend Credit: GETTY 14 The fan favourite will call time on his MMA career after 18 years competing as a professional Credit: USA TODAY SPORTS 14 Poirier has fought a who's who at featherweight and lightweight Credit: GETTY 14 Poirier will walk away from the fight game with over 50 professional fights to his name Credit: GETTY The bona fide Hall of Famer's career will come to an emotional and poetic end early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 318 in New Orleans. Unlike many before him, the 36-year-old's hanging up of the gloves hasn't been prompted by the regression of his skillset or the absorption of unnecessary punishment. In his last two fights with Islam Makhachev and Benoit Saint Denis, the Lafayette, Louisiana leftie has shown that he can still mix it with the very best the lightweight division has to offer. But he's determined to walk away from the sport which has brought him fame and fortune on his terms and, more importantly, while he still has all his faculties intact. READ MORE UFC NEWS WHAT A DUST UP Poirier reveals the one fight he'd love to relive ahead of UFC retirement In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: "I've been fighting since I was 17 years old, so making this decision is tough. "But the decision was made because, you know, I have over 50 fights. "My wife's pregnant, I have a little girl at home. I've said this over and over again, 'I don't want this sport to retire me. "'I want to walk away from this sport.' And if that's putting only great performances and fighting and beating the best guys in the world, that's the way I want it to be. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 14 Dustin Poirier showed he can still mix it with the elite with his March 2024 KO of Benoit Saint-Denis Credit: GETTY 14 He also went four-and-a-half rounds with former pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev Credit: GETTY 14 But 'The Diamond' insists now is the right time to hang up his gloves Credit: GETTY "I want to go out on top with stuff still left in the tank. "I don't want to empty myself out and leave this game broken and bruised for a paycheck. "It's just time. I just feel like it's time, you know. I've done a lot in the sport. "And I want to be healthy and be with my family. I've been doing this for a very long time." Poirier's eagerness not to have the sport retire him is wise, given the worrying effects of traumatic brain injuries we're starting to see in some of the greats of yesteryear. The temptation to continue fighting and pursue undisputed UFC gold, the only thing which has eluded him in his run in the promotion, has been strong. Even just this week, the little devil on his left shoulder was telling him to go full 'Wolf of Wall Street' and roar: "I'm not f*****g leaving!" He admitted: "There are moments like when I'm driving to the gym and stuff that reality sets in. "And [I'm like], 'I can't believe this is the last time I'm ever gonna do this. But my decision has been made." Poirier will likely go down as the greatest fighter to never have an undisputed UFC title wrapped around his waist. I don't want to empty myself out and leave this game broken and bruised for a paycheck." Dustin Poirier on why he's retiring from MMA 14 Dustin Poirier came up short in his first crack at undisputed UFC gold in September 2019 Credit: GETTY 14 More title heartache wouldld befall Poirier when he fought Charles Oliveira two years later Credit: GETTY 14 Third time wouldn't be the charm for Poirier when he fought Islam Makhachev last June Credit: GETTY Winning one of his three cracks at the lightweight title would've undoubtedly further cemented what is an already historic career. But those losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira and Makhachev won't eat away at him as much as you'd think. "I'm grateful for everything," he said. "All the lessons I've learned and the accomplishments I've had throughout the sport. "I had a good run, I really did. And I'm proud of it." MMA retirements are often looked at with a side-eye due to the sheer number of fighters who have performed U-turns or entered the world of boxing. But with mental and physical well-being now being his top priority, Poirier insists neither will end up being the case for him. He said: "I'm still going to be in the gym, so we'll see about grappling. "If something fun came along, maybe I would do a grappling match or something like that in the future. "But [as far as] combat sports, I'm gonna protect my brain and try to age as healthy as I can after post-fighting." 14 Dustin Poirier admits he's thought about reversing his retirement decision Credit: REUTERS 14 The 37-year-old admits he doesn't know how he'll fill the void left by fighting Credit: GETTY 14 Poirier insists his retirement stretches to all forms of combat sports Credit: Getty Countless pugilists and mixed martial artists have publicly struggled with life after fighting, with many openly admitting they've suffered identity crises. Unlike many before him, Poirier has financial interests outside of fighting to keep himself busy. Although he admits: "I don't think anything's ever gonna fill that void of what fighting was throughout my career. "So that could be a little bit of struggle to be at war with something so deeply the way I've been with combat sports." The honour of being Poirier's last dance partner, fittingly, goes to a man he welcomed to the UFC 13 years ago - former featherweight champion Max Holloway. Poirier is 2-0 in his series with the Hawaiian, who was his dance partner when he claimed interim lightweight gold at UFC 236 in April 2019. That fight was a war for the ages, something Poirier believes will be the case when they collide again in their Bayou brawl this weekend. "I feel like it's gonna be a lot like the last one," he said when asked how he foresees his swansong playing out. "Back and forth on the feet, but just at a higher level and a higher IQ. "It's going to be a battle, you know. It's gonna be a battle like the second one, I'm sure."
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘It's just words' – Joseph Parker opens up on chances of undisputed fight against winner of Usyk vs Dubois 2
JOSEPH PARKER admits he's in the dark over his immediate fighting future, despite being the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title. The New Zealander has been the mandatory challenger for the prestigious brown belt held by Advertisement 4 Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will renew their rivalry on Saturday night for all the heavyweight marbles Credit: GETTY 4 Joseph Parker is the mandatory challenger for Usyk's WBO belt and in pole position to fight the winner of the Wembley war Credit: GETTY 4 But the New Zealander is in the dark over the possibility of fighting the winner of Usyk and Dubois' rematch Credit: GETTY Parker's position as the WBO mandatory has, seemingly, put him in pole position to fight the winner of Usyk's undisputed straightner with Daniel Dubois at Wembley on Saturday night But after being snubbed by Usyk in favour of a rematch with In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: "I know next to fight for undisputed unification. "But there were no discussions. And for me, it's just words at the moment. Advertisement "It'd be nice to get something in writing and to get something solid. But at the moment, it's just words. "If it can happen, I'll be extremely over the moon." Usyk's fighting future is currently the talk of boxing fans, with many believing the 38-year-old could hang up his gloves this weekend. The undefeated Ukrainian could, however, be tempted to stick around for a trilogy fight with rival Tyson Fury, who insists the pair are set to duke it out at Wembley next April. Advertisement Most read in Sport JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Usyk vs Dubois 2 - All the info OLEKSANDR USYK and Daniel Dubois meet again in a blockbuster heavyweight unification fight at Wembley Stadium THIS SATURDAY! Usyk won the first fight in August 2023 via a ninth round KO - but only after Dubois knocked him to the canvas with a body blow that was ruled a low blow. Dubois, 27, has improved massively since that first meeting, reeling off stunning wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the big fight... INFO All the info for Usyk vs Dubois 2 Latest ticket availability and price How much are Usyk and Dubois earning for the rematch? Get either fighter at 50/1 to win with talkSPORT BET LATEST NEWS, EXCLUSIVES & FEATURES So much so that he tried to convince the fan favourite to share the ring with him before he calls it quits during a chance encounter at a bareknuckle boxing event in Florence in April. 'Doesn't make sense' - Joseph Parker has theory for Daniel Dubois' last-minute withdrawal as Brit gears up to face Usyk He said: "I saw Uysk in Italy last week. And I walked up to him and said,' Hey, you got two fights left. Advertisement "'Why don't you fight Dubois and fight me?' He just laughed it off. He didn't really reply. "And then now, I'm seeing that he's calling out Tyson and [Anthony] Joshua for his last fight in his career." Former WBO champ Parker has a theory for why Usyk wasn't receptive to his face-to-face callout. He said: "Maybe he's looking for the bigger and sort of financial-making fights. I'm not quite sure." Advertisement 4 Joseph Parker recently tried to convince Oleksandr Usyk to fight him in a brief chat in Florence Credit: INSTAGRAM@POSSA_BAICE
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘It's just words' – Joseph Parker opens up on chances of undisputed fight against winner of Usyk vs Dubois 2
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOSEPH PARKER admits he's in the dark over his immediate fighting future, despite being the mandatory challenger for the WBO heavyweight title. The New Zealander has been the mandatory challenger for the prestigious brown belt held by Oleksandr Usyk for over a year. 4 Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will renew their rivalry on Saturday night for all the heavyweight marbles Credit: GETTY 4 Joseph Parker is the mandatory challenger for Usyk's WBO belt and in pole position to fight the winner of the Wembley war Credit: GETTY 4 But the New Zealander is in the dark over the possibility of fighting the winner of Usyk and Dubois' rematch Credit: GETTY Parker's position as the WBO mandatory has, seemingly, put him in pole position to fight the winner of Usyk's undisputed straightner with Daniel Dubois at Wembley on Saturday night But after being snubbed by Usyk in favour of a rematch with Dubois, the 33-year-old is refusing to count his chickens. In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he said: "I know Frank Warren said a few things that I might be next to fight for undisputed unification. "But there were no discussions. And for me, it's just words at the moment. "It'd be nice to get something in writing and to get something solid. But at the moment, it's just words. "If it can happen, I'll be extremely over the moon." Usyk's fighting future is currently the talk of boxing fans, with many believing the 38-year-old could hang up his gloves this weekend. The undefeated Ukrainian could, however, be tempted to stick around for a trilogy fight with rival Tyson Fury, who insists the pair are set to duke it out at Wembley next April. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Parker would love to test himself against the best heavyweight of his generation before he walks away. So much so that he tried to convince the fan favourite to share the ring with him before he calls it quits during a chance encounter at a bareknuckle boxing event in Florence in April. 'Doesn't make sense' - Joseph Parker has theory for Daniel Dubois' last-minute withdrawal as Brit gears up to face Usyk He said: "I saw Uysk in Italy last week. And I walked up to him and said,' Hey, you got two fights left. "'Why don't you fight Dubois and fight me?' He just laughed it off. He didn't really reply. "And then now, I'm seeing that he's calling out Tyson and [Anthony] Joshua for his last fight in his career." Former WBO champ Parker has a theory for why Usyk wasn't receptive to his face-to-face callout. He said: "Maybe he's looking for the bigger and sort of financial-making fights. I'm not quite sure."
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘That felt good' – Conor McGregor's brutal KO named as UFC star's favourite
DUSTIN POIRIER rides off into the sunset this weekend after a long and storied career. The former interim lightweight champion and fan favourite will bring the curtain down on his days as a mixed martial artist early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 318 in New Orleans. Advertisement 9 Dustin Poirier brings down the curtain on his mixed martial arts career this weekend Credit: GETTY 9 Poirier has faced a who's who at featherweight and lightweight over the years Credit: GETTY 9 Poirier won interim UFC gold in April 2019 Credit: GETTY 9 Poirier admits he'd love to relive the build-up to and the result of his rematch with Conor McGregor Credit: GETTY The beloved southpaw has never been one to sit back, smell the roses and reflect on his body work. But he finds himself doing just that ahead of the end of a bona fide Hall-of-Fame career. Despite never touching undisputed UFC gold, Poirier insists he wouldn't change a thing about his story. Advertisement READ MORE UFC NEWS But if he could, he would love to relive the build-up to what proved to be one of the most satisfying moments of his career - his stunning knockout of long-time rival Conor McGregor in January 2021. In an exclusive interview with SunSport, 'The Diamond' said: "It would have to be either the Max fight when I won the belt or that second Conor McGregor fight in Abu Dhabi. "Just because I felt like the odds were against me and it was COVID. I had to travel across the world. "You know, the guy [knocked me out] and I had to wait seven years for the rematch. Advertisement Most read in MMA JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 9 Dusin Poirier lost his first encounter with Conor McGregor in September 2014 Credit: SPORTSFILE 9 He got his revenge in January 2021 with a second-round KO of 'The Notorious' Credit: REUTERS "Just a lot went into that, so much media, so much hype. Advertisement "And to go out there and knock him out and. It was an incredible night, you know?" Watch as emotional Poirier struggles through interview after UFC 302 defeat to Makhachev as he hints at retirement As satisfying as it was to exact revenge on McGregor, "I mean, that felt good," he said. "But winning the belt was the best [feeling]." Poirier's retirement, which will see his 'Last Dance' be a trilogy fight with fellow fan favourite Max Holloway, comes when he's still very much at the peak of his powers. Advertisement But he'd rather call time on his career on his own terms than have retirement thrust upon him like so many before him. He said: "I've been fighting since I was 17 years old, so making this decision is tough. "But the decision was made because, you know, I have over 50 fights. I felt like the odds were against me." Dustin Poirier on his rematch with Conor McGregor "My wife's pregnant, I have a little girl at home. Advertisement "I've said this over and over again, 'I don't want this sport to retire me. "'I want to walk away from this sport.' "And if that's putting only great performances and fighting and beating the best guys in the world, that's the way I want it to be. 9 Dustin Poirier has shown he can still mix it with the elite in his last few fights Credit: GETTY Advertisement 9 But 'The Diamond' insists now is the right time for him to call time on his career Credit: GETTY 9 Poirier will close out his Hall of Fame career with a trilogy fight against Max Holloway Credit: Getty "I want to go out on top with stuff still left in the tank. "I don't want to empty myself out and leave this game broken and bruised for a paycheck. Advertisement "It's just time. I just feel like it's time, youu know. I've done a lot in the sport. "And I want to be healthy and be with my family. I've been doing this for a very long time."
