Dustin Poirier has big plans when his UFC career is over.
Later this month, Poirier will take a walk in the cage at his final time when he won Max Holloway for the “BMF” title in the main event of UFC 318. The event was built around a promotion to New Orleans, specializing in “diamonds,” and he acknowledges that he will set up a lot of emotions to prepare for his final walk.
“I’m scared of that,” Poilier told ESPN. “It’s bittersweet. I’ve done this more than ever, and I really don’t want to beat myself up. I don’t want to smack my wheels. I’m always thinking about it. I leave a lot of money on the table.
“It’s hard to get another one, and I don’t know if I have it to put that victory together, but now when I think I’m in my best shape, I’ll leave.
“I’m a father. I want another child. And I want something outside the octagon. If I don’t become a world champion, I’m just showing up on my pay. That’s not the person I want to be.”
But while it’s sad that Poirier leaves the sport, that’s not all bad news. Because when he officially retires from MMA, Poirier has big plans exactly for what he wants. In other words, Swoll.
“This is the last time I’ve ever been 155 pounds in my life,” joked Poeier. “I can promise you that. Listen, I’m on a steroid. Once Usada stops knocking on my door, I’ll put my gloves on the side, I’ll jack and sunburn.
“That’s the truth. My wife says, ‘No, you’re not.’ I’m on it.
As Donald Serone famously made, Poirier is not the only fighter jet ready to adopt performance-enhancing drugs from the competition. But that’s not to say Poirier intends to do it in retirement. Because while he is away from the competition, he has not left MMA.
“I love sports. I watch all the fights,” Poilier said. “It’s not just the UFC, it’s not just the entire organization. I see everything. I’m a huge fan of sports and I love it. I always want to connect with it.
“I don’t know if I’ll open a gym or not. That’s not my passion. But I’ll go back to the top team in America and help people fighting, Louisiana locals, and fight in the upcoming battles. The unknown of the fight. It works.
UFC 318 will be held on July 19th at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.