Dustin Poirier reveals arduous preparation for UFC 318 as he approaches his 'last dance'

Dustin poirier in presentation at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@ufc

There are just a few days left before he steps into the octagon for the last time to measure his strength against Max Holloway in his homeland, Dustin poirier has been treating this camp preparation with a care rarely seen before throughout the fighter's professional career.

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In an interview with podcast'Fitz Take' last Thursday (10), the Diamond made it clear that the decision to hang up his gloves is not related to his physical condition, but rather his desire to pursue new goals.

“I tried to push myself harder this last one, I tried to do everything right. I started dieting a few weeks before I left for training camp, and I've been in South Florida for eight weeks now. I'm just trying to get ahead of everything, trying to make the last one (camp) the best, trying to show the world that I'm stepping away from the sport not because I feel like I can't compete with these guys. I'm not going to let the sport retire me — I want to go out on my terms,” said the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg).

Dustin poirier says he's doing everything extra to make his last fight the best one

"I tried to do extra for this last one, tried to do everything right. I started dieting a few weeks before I even left to come out for training camp, and I've been in South Florida for 8… pic.twitter.com/liLywi520A

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 11, 2025

With two wins under his belt against the Hawaiian, the athlete seeks to close out the trilogy with another triumph in New Orleans. The UFC hasn't held an event in Louisiana since 2015, and the pay-per-view event promises to be a farewell party for the fighter.

Dustin Poirier has been competing in the UFC for over a decade

Dustin poirier in action at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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One of the biggest names in the world's largest MMA organization, the American was one of the athletes who made the transition after the WEC's dissolution in 2011, still as a featherweight (up to 65,7 kg). Despite becoming a member of the top 5 in 2014, it was in the division above that Diamante enjoyed his best years.

He defeated the likes of Anthony PettisEddie Alvarez Justin gaethje e Conor McGregor, and became interim champion of the category by winning Max Holloway for the second time in 2019. Poirier also fought for the linear title on three occasions, but never managed to achieve the feat.