Throughout his illustrious 13-year career with the UFC, Dustin Poirier has truly captured the hearts of fans. As an esteemed veteran of the sport, Poirier has given remarkable performances for Dana White and his company. Despite being adored by countless supporters, Poirier has a remarkable story of pursuing a release from the UFC.
During a recent appearance on the MMA Hour, Poirier stated that he doesn’t have Dana White privilege. ‘Diamond’ revealed it when Ariel Helwani questioned his relationship with White and the promotion. The former interim lightweight champion also disclosed that he had requested to be let go from the organization.
I just never had that bond. And I have to fight and push back for everything I have ever got with the UFC. It’s been a warzone, behind the scenes, every contract, every fight… When I was asking to be released before I fought Max, in 2018 or 2019 in Atlanta… I don’t remember exactly but they were offering fights that I didn’t want. I was asking to be released then.
Dustin Poirier via The MMA Hour
Following that, Poirier was booked to fight Max Holloway. The ‘Diamond’ outworked the ‘Blessed’ and became the interim UFC lightweight champion. A few months later, he got his long-awaited opportunity to become the UFC lightweight champion. In order to get that crown, Poirier had to defeat Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, the ‘Eagle’ decisively defeated Poirier at UFC 242.
Many fighters believed UFC 302 was Poirier’s last appearance. However, if he gets a suitable matchup, Poirier did end up teasing a ”one last dance” before his retirement. Meanwhile, the UFC boss has expressed his views on the 35-year-old after his tough loss at UFC 302.
Dana White wants Dustin Poirier to stay at UFC
In the highly competitive UFC lightweight division, Dustin Poirier has established himself as one of the most revered and skilled fighters. In his most recent bout, Poirier experienced a significant setback. He suffered his third career title fight loss. The reigning lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, managed to secure a submission victory over Poirier in the fifth round of their intense encounter.
Dana White wants Dustin Poirier to stay and fight (via X)After the tough loss, the 35-year-old fighter suggested that he might retire from the sport. Still, at UFC 302’s post-fight press conference, Dana White had nothing but praise for Poirier and assured everyone that there would always be a place for them with the promotion.
It’s up to him [if he wants to retire], It’s not up to me. He knows what he wants and doesn’t want. He knows how he felt and how he feels right now. Listen, he’s a star, he can stay around here as long as he wants to.
Dana White via UFC 302 post-fight press conference
White even praised Poirier’s mentality heading into the Makhachev fight. Poirier was motivated to beat Makhachev, knowing he had suffered a tough loss to his mentor in 2019. Even if the Louisiana native calls it quits on his career, he will still be remembered as one of the great fighters in the lightweight division. He has won 10 “Fight of the Night” performances and the interim UFC lightweight belt to name some achievements.
