After 'last dance', Dustin Poirier reflects on his MMA career: 'I felt the love from the fans'

Dustin poirier officially retired after facing Max Holloway at UFC 318. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

After competing for the last time as a professional athlete in the main event of UFC 318, Dustin poirier seems to be slowly realizing the impact he has made on the MMA world over 14 years competing in the Ultimate. The day after the duel with Max Holloway, the now former fighter confessed to having been surprised by the positive reception from fans and members of the media throughout the week of pay-per-view.

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"I felt the love from the company, the city, the fans, and the media. They made me feel like I accomplished a lot in the sport this week," said the Diamond in an interview with journalist Mike Bohn, host of the podcast 'Bohnfire.'

Dustin poirier says fight retirement week made him feel like he accomplished a lot in the sport.

"I feel the love from the company, the city, the fans, and the media. They made me feel like I accomplished a lot in the sport this week."

(via @MikeBohn ) pic.twitter.com/6U4RLmLxrm

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 21, 2025

despite been defeated In his 'last dance,' Dustin had a farewell filled with emotion and memorable moments. After the official announcement of the result, the American watched a tribute video made by the company and followed tradition by leaving his gloves in the octagon.

Dustin leaves his gloves in the center of the octagon after UFC 318. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Dustin Poirier is one of the best fighters in history to never win the UFC belt.

D. Poirier was the interim lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook 

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Diamante competed in the world's largest MMA organization for 14 years. In total, he fought 32 times for the organization and shared the octagon with eight athletes who became linear or interim champions. Among these opponents, he defeated names such as Conor McGregor, Anthony Pettis e Justin gaethje.

Despite having collected great achievements in the sport, Poirier's best moment came in April 2019. He defeated Holloway in the UFC 236, won the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) and ended the Hawaiian's 13-fight winning streak.