Dustin Poirier officially retired after his unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway on Saturday, July 19, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The entire event was built around Poirier’s retirement fight, and the energy in the building was felt throughout the card.
We all watched Poirier’s heartfelt post-fight interview and the things he’s said on the Ariel Helwani show and other media, but the finality of Poirier no longer fighting in MMA hit some UFC fans when UFC Roster News posted their update on X.
This was a GIF-heavy string of reactions. There are more than 125 comments on the post, and the vast majority of them feature someone weeping.
One fan posted a GIF from Berserk with the caption, “my favorite fighter of ALL TIME GOAT.”
Another one used a GIF from Dragon Ball to express their feelings about the situation. The GIF is of Vegeta being upset when he finds he is unable to go Super Saiyan, and he’s standing dejected in the rain.
Another said, “won’t be the same without him.”
Another posted a GIF with a series of famous people crying, with Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James featured prominently.
Poirier walks away from MMA competition with a 30-10 mark with one no contest. While Poirier never won an undisputed title in the UFC, he was the interim champion. His résumé is about as Hall-of-Fame worthy as anyone who never held undisputed gold.
If you question Poirier’s fitness for the Hall, I’ve got two words for you: “Donald Cerrone.”
WWE fans thought that was going somewhere else. How can a fighter have these wins and not be in the UFC Hall of Fame?
Dustin Poirier – 5 Biggest Wins
Vs. Max Holloway – April 13, 2019 at UFC 236
Poirier defeated Holloway by unanimous decision in a five-round war to win the Interim Lightweight Championship. It was a rematch nearly seven years in the making and one of the best fights of 2019, earning Fight of the Night honors.
Vs. Conor McGregor – January 23, 2021 at UFC 257
Poirier shocked the world by becoming the first man to knock out McGregor in MMA, finishing him in the second round with a barrage of punches after crippling leg kicks set the stage.
Vs. Conor McGregor – July 10, 2021 at UFC 264
In their trilogy bout, Poirier earned a TKO win when McGregor suffered a broken leg at the end of Round 1. Though the ending was anticlimactic, Poirier was dominating the fight before the injury and moved to 2-1 in the rivalry. There was no doubt Poirier was going to win.
Vs. Michael Chandler – November 12, 2022 at UFC 281
After surviving early chaos and heavy shots, Poirier submitted Chandler via rear-naked choke in Round 3. The win solidified his standing as a top contender and showcased his grit and grappling.
Vs. Justin Gaethje – April 14, 2018 at UFC on Fox 29
In one of the wildest fights in UFC history, Poirier stopped Gaethje via TKO in Round 4 after a back-and-forth brawl filled with leg kicks, power punches, and nonstop pressure from both men. It was a turning point that launched Poirier’s run to the interim belt.
Poirier established himself as a fighter’s fighter and that’s what fans loved most about him. I can’t wait for his HOF induction. Shine bright Diamond.
