Dustin Poirier has the support of Dana White when it comes to his decision not to fight again after UFC 318.
Poirier made his final walk to the Octagon in Saturday’s pay-per-view main event, as he wrapped up an MMA career that has spanned 18 years.
‘The Diamond’ ensured his final act in the cage would be fitting for his last dance, with Poirier going to war with Max Holloway in a fight that lived up to its BMF billing.
After the Louisianan fell short on the scorecards, ensuring that Holloway did not fall to 0-6 across his two UFC trilogies, the 36-year-old laid down his gloves and made his retirement official.
Dana White supports Dustin Poirier, unlike when Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier retired
During his press conference backstage at UFC 318, White reacted to Poirier’s final farewell in New Orleans.
In the past, White has disagreed with two UFC legends retiring, believing that both lightweight GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov and former two-division king Daniel Cormier had more to give.
But the UFC CEO does not share that sentiment when it comes to ‘The Diamond’, especially after seeing the way he went out in front of his fellow Louisiana natives following one last war inside the Octagon.
“You look at his last 11 fights and who he’s fought, always comes to fight,” White said.
“I don’t ever question when a guy says he wants to retire, other than I think Khabib and Cormier — the two guys that I’ve ever said, ‘I don’t know that it’s time.’
“That’s totally up to him (Poirier),” White continued. “This is a rough sport. He fought a rough fight tonight. And the way tonight went, retiring seems like the right thing to do.”
Dana White made a big effort to bring Khabib Nurmagomedov out of retirement
Nurmagomedov announced his retirement after beating Justin Gaethje in October 2020, citing his mother’s wish not to see him continue competing without his late father present in his corner.
‘The Eagle’ has always been firm in stating that his decision was final, but that did not stop White from attempting to entice the Dagestani back.
During an appearance on the Jim Rome Show in 2022, White revealed another offer he made to Nurmagomedov, which was swiftly declined.
“Khabib’s retired. It’s weird that you asked me that question. I just reached out to him recently to see if he’s interested in something and he’s like, ‘I’m retired, brother. I’m done.’
“I don’t think Khabib ever comes back. It was something different. I was trying to get him to do a grappling match. He’s like, ‘I’m done, I’m retired.’”