Dustin Poirier may not have gone out on top at UFC 318, but he retired a legend nonetheless.
Dustin Poirier may not have gone out on top, but he retired a legend nonetheless. The former UFC interim lightweight champion — and all-time great action fighter — called it a career on Saturday night after falling short in his Louisiana homecoming against Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 318.
Despite coming into the bout up 2-0 in his series with Holloway, Poirier closed out his UFC run with a unanimous decision loss (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) in another back-and-forth brawl that nevertheless served as a worthy and emotional sendoff for the longtime fan favorite.
Poirier, 36, hangs up his gloves as one of the most celebrated fighters of his era. Despite never capturing an undisputed UFC title, "The Diamond" strung together a Hall of Fame résumé over the course of a 14-year Octagon career, defeating a legendary list of top fighters across two divisions. Poirier's catalog of conquests include Conor McGregor (x2), Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis and Dan Hooker, among many others.
He also exits the sport tied for the fourth-most post-fight bonuses in UFC history (15), tied for the fifth-most finishes in UFC history (15), tied for most the finishes of current/former/future UFC champions (6), and tied for the sixth-most wins in UFC history (22) — a slew of records that speak to his uncommon longevity atop the game's most talent-rich divisions.
Following his emotional farewell, a wave of Poirier's peers within the fighting community paid tribute to "The Diamond" and the vast body of work he contributed to the game.
Congratulations, Dustin. You’re truly one of the greatest to ever step into the cage. It was an honor and a privilege to share it with you pic.twitter.com/RQj3fa0yTq
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 20, 2025
Congratulations on an amazing career Dustin, thank you for the years of entertainment. Now go enjoy your retirement. 🙏🏾
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 20, 2025
I thought Dustin’s performance was amazing, he definitely still has it. But it’s good to see him walk away just because he wants to. That needs to become normalized in the future, sick of fighters getting to the point of mumbling. https://t.co/L6noy481Ls
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 20, 2025
Congrats on an awesome career Dustin! It’s been great sharing this journey with you. Thanks for all the good times and everything you brought to the team. Enjoy retirement you’ve more than earned it 💎 @DustinPoirier#att
— Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) July 20, 2025
First ballot Hall of fame!!! @DustinPoirier
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) July 20, 2025
It was an honor to share the octagon with you pic.twitter.com/iKtrJyXGDe
Paid in full Dustin is a legend amazing career
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 20, 2025
Congrats on a great career @DustinPoirier#UFC318pic.twitter.com/Kpechm8Fl0
— JOSH EMMETT (@JoshEmmettUFC) July 20, 2025
Dustin leaving the cage is straight out of Rocky 1 🥲 #UFC318
— Joe Joe Giannetti 💀 (@Giannettimma) July 20, 2025
Max v Paddy
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) July 20, 2025
Thank you @dustinpoirier
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) July 20, 2025
MMA Rollercoaster with you has been a dun ride.
Thank You pic.twitter.com/rDkpIp3EXv
One of the best to do it @DustinPoirier
— Boston Salmon (@bostonboomboom) July 20, 2025
One of my favorite southpaw to watch and study. Thank you champ enjoy your retirement 💎 #ufc318
Man, Dustin Poirier is ALL CLASS! Love that dude! 💎 #UFC318
— Dustin Jacoby 🇺🇸 (@thehanyakdj) July 20, 2025
What. A. Fight!!!
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) July 20, 2025
Max Holloway is a fucking problem at 155 and mannn.. what a career from Dustin Poirier - in tears during that walk out 🥺 #UFC318
Who cares who won that, really.
— Jason Mayhem Miller (@mayhemmiller) July 20, 2025
Dope way to finish a fight and a career for Poirier , Holloway will continue on ! Bravo fellas 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾#UFC318
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) July 20, 2025
Called it! Hell of a fight guys. Congrats to @DustinPoirier on an amazing career. #ufc317
— Mike Pierce (@MikePierce170) July 20, 2025
I'm not crying, you are 🥲#ufc
— Adrian Yañez (@yanezmma) July 20, 2025
👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 🐐X🐐 #UFC318
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) July 20, 2025
What a fight! Wow 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 #UFC318
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) July 20, 2025
This is what the bmf belt is all about! #ufc318
— Miles Chapo Johns (@milesxjohns) July 20, 2025
The moment Dustin and Max find out they didn’t got FOTN bonus
— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) July 20, 2025
#UFC318pic.twitter.com/z7KFnorgUc
Happy Retirement Diamond @DustinPoirier 🔥
— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) July 20, 2025
We love you! @ufc#ufc318#att
Category: General Sports
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