Dustin Poirier is currently in a state of uncertainty about his future in mixed martial arts. The 35-year-old fighter is contemplating retirement but hasn’t reached a final decision yet. Recently, he set a personal deadline to help him determine his next steps.
Before his recent bout with Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, Poirier had already hinted at the possibility of retiring. Following his defeat, it seemed retirement was more likely. However, Poirier has taken his time to think it over carefully, considering what’s best for both himself and his family.
Despite this, Poirier has indicated online that he might fight once more before officially retiring. He’s still engaged in ongoing rivalries with Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. But even Poirier himself seems frustrated with the indecision and has given himself a deadline to come to a conclusion.
UFC Star Dustin Poirier Provides Retirement Update
“I need to make a solid decision so I can get out of the limbo because I’m still kind of like fighting myself every day not sure what I’m doing,” Poirier shared with MMA Junkie. “Me and my wife said when we get back from vacation, because obviously you’re drinking and eating whatever you want on vacation, we’ll clean it up, go 30 days (throughout August) and make a decision after that. Get in shape see how I feel, so we’ll see man, I don’t know.”
Poirier plans to use this month to get back in shape and evaluate how he feels. He’s also considering postponing a planned nose surgery scheduled for October if an appealing opportunity arises.
“I’m supposed to have surgery on my nose in October but like, if I’ve made a decision or something popped up I could push it back or whatever. I’m just thinking, who is there for me to fight, but I’ve just got to do the 30 days, get in shape and get back on the mats hard, I haven’t been able to grapple,” he explained.
Poirier Suggests Interim Title Fight With Arman Tsarukyan
Dustin Poirier hinted that he could potentially fight by the end of the year if he feels good after his 30-day evaluation period and if a significant opportunity presents itself. The timing and opponent will play crucial roles in his decision.
“I could fight at the end of the year. If I felt good after the 30 days and there’s a big opportunity. The names, obviously the opponent matters big time but, where the timing and the position on the card and stuff like that, those come into play as well,” he said.
Poirier isn’t the only fighter dealing with injury issues. Makhachev, who won their recent bout, also suffered a hand injury and will be out of action until next year. This situation means that the next challenger, Arman Tsarukyan, may need to wait longer for his title shot unless the UFC decides otherwise.
Regarding Makhachev’s injury, Poirier is curious about how the UFC will handle the lightweight division in the meantime. He even suggested that an interim title fight with Tsarukyan could be a possibility.
“I wonder what they’re gonna do with that, is Arman gonna continue to wait for Islam, I don’t know when Islam’s gonna be back but I saw a thing that said he might have to have surgery so we’ll see man. The lightweight division has been so crazy over these past years. Yeah for sure (an interim title fight against Tsarukyan) interests me,” Poirier noted.
Despite these thoughts, it’s uncertain if the UFC will offer Dustin Poirier an interim title shot, given his current indecision about staying in the sport.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
