I want to be like Robbie Lawler when I grow up
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) July 12, 2015
Dustin Poirier is officially retired from MMA ... probably.
There have been so many fake retirements over the years that a majority of fans just roll their eyes whenever a combatant calls it quits. Most fighters wait a few years before declaring their inevitable comeback but Jon Jones only retired long enough to lose the heavyweight title then returned two weeks later.
Could we see something similar from Poirier?
Maybe ... maybe not. “The Diamond” (30-10,
1 NC) is only 36 and despite his unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 last night in New Orleans, proved he can still bang with the best of ‘em. Poirier has just two wins since stopping Conor McGregor in back-to-back fights roughly four years ago but he’s also been fighting the top of the food chain.
No shame in losing to killers like Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira.
Even without the victory over “Blessed” — or the “BMF” belt that would have come with it — Poirier goes out on top. “The Diamond” is beloved by fans, respected by his fellow fighters, praised by the promotion, and one of the classiest fighters outside the cage. His aura will continue to grow as he puts distance between himself and his fighting career.
“It’s been overwhelming,” Poirier said after the fight. “I feel appreciated. I feel seen. I never got to step outside of fighting and look at it this way. I’ve always been going through fighting and trying to grind to the next thing and provide for me and the family. I never got to look from third person. But this week has been incredible. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana, and the company. It’s been incredible. I didn’t know I touched as many people as I did by chasing my dreams. I’m forever grateful. I love you all.”
Coming back for money, which he probably doesn’t need after headlining two pay-per-view (PPV) cards against the highest grossing fighter in the sport, would dilute some of that good will. Maybe he gets bored sitting around the house, or leaving the sport on a loss starts to eat away at him ... these things happen.
This is not a new phenomenon.
In fact, it was so prevalent in the world of boxing that it became a major plot point in 1985’s Rocky IV, with some memorable dialogue from the late Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed. Poirier’s been fighting since he was 18 and likely doesn’t know any other way of life.
Fighting is his identity and probably always will be.
With any luck, Poirier can continue to serve in the combat sports community in some capacity that allows him to remain connected on a level that will keep his competitive itch scratched, or at least tolerable enough to manage. I’m sure the promotion will dangle a few carrots over the next year and this offer would be hard to turn down.
Diamonds are forever. Retirement ... not so much.
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