Over the years, several standout fighters have emerged in the UFC lightweight division. In one era, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier were among the top competitors. Currently, Islam Makhachev holds the championship title, while Gaethje and Poirier continues to compete. In this context, Nurmagomedov shared some advice to these veterans in the lightweight category.
Khabib Nurmagomedov recently talked with Henry Cejudo at his gym about various topics, including the UFC lightweight division. Recently, news surfaced about Ilia Topuria moving up to 155 pounds, which has generated considerable buzz in the community. ‘The Eagle’ seemed to discuss Topuria’s potential opponents and also addressed the lackluster performance of his former rival in the promotion.
I think Topuria can beat Charles Oliveira and I think Poirier has to stop fighting. I think he’s finished. Justin Gaethje, Khabib, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, this is old school. Brother, stop fighting. We have to recognize real things.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via Pound 4 Pound show
Interestingly, ‘The Eagle’ fought both Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje in 2019 and 2020, respectively, defeating each of them quite comfortably. At that time, both Poirier and Gaethje were at the peak of their careers. The ‘Highlight’, in particular, was on a four-fight win streak before challenging Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title. Meanwhile, the ‘Diamond’ faced the Dagestani fighter in a title unification bout.
Khabib thinks Dustin Poirier should retire:
“I think Poirier have to stop fighting. I think he’s finished.
Justin Gaethje, Khabib, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson. This is old school brother. Stop fighting.”
🎥 @pound4poundshow #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/vqoEuCBplW
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 16, 2024
Currently, both Poirier and Gaethje have concerning UFC records, as they are struggling to gain winning momentum. Consequently, the Dagestani icon has urged Poirier in particular to consider stepping away from the sport. Interestingly, the ‘Diamond’ has recently discussed what his dream retirement from fighting would look like.
Dustin Poirier wants his retirement fight at home
Over the years, the UFC community has witnessed numerous fighter retirements. While some fighters receive a memorable send-off from the sport, others announce their retirement unexpectedly. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement announcement was one such surprise. In contrast, Dustin Poirier has a clear plan for how and where he wants his retirement fight to take place.
Dustin Poirier talks about his fighting future (via PennLive.Com)Poirier was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. Along with UFC legend Daniel Cormier, he is one of the top athletes who has proudly represented their hometown. Recently, Poirier has expressed his desire to compete in the UFC one last time. As such, he has clearly stated that he wants his retirement fight to take place in Lafayette, where he began his fighting career.
I will fight again. It’s just how these things unfolds, we’ll see when I do retire. It could be uno mas, it could be dos mas. I had a good meeting at the UFC headquarters… My goal is to get a fight, get an event here in Louisiana, whether that’s Lafayette, Louisiana, New Orleans. I want to lay the gloved down where I started fighting. That’s my goal.
Dustin Poirier via The Ariel Helwani Show
Dustin Poirier says he had a good meeting with the UFC and says he may fight two more times before retiring 👀
He also says that his plan at the moment is for his last fight to be in Louisiana
“I want to lay the gloves down where I started fighting.”
🎥 @arielhelwani… pic.twitter.com/Mc82FuCXpQ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 15, 2024
Interestingly, the former interim champion also has a few potential opponents in mind for his retirement fight. Recently, UFC CEO Dana White mentioned that the promotion is working on something significant for a veteran like Poirier. It will be interesting to see how things unfold in the coming months.
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