Is the story of ‘The Diamond’ nearing its final chapter? At 36, former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has done it all—almost. Defeated the likes of Max Holloway and Conor McGregor, fought for the title thrice, and got his hands on the Interim belt. After more than 15 years of pouring heart and soul into the fight game, it seems the time has come for him to hang up the gloves. Fans aren’t ready as Poirier enters what he calls his final training camp.. The Louisiana juggernaut is preparing for one last ride—and it has started

Dustin Poirier, through his social media handles, has uploaded a video of him training with his coach, brandishing the gloves for the final time as he prepares for the last fight of his career. The one-minute video showcases him skipping, engaging in a light pad work session, and working on the heavy bag. But who will be his opponent?

This has remained a mystery for far too long, and we have yet to receive any clues about it. Well, in his conversation with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, the fomrer interm lightweight champion did emphasized that the UFC might announce his retirement fight in the next two weeks but the fans are skeptical about it.

Within a few weeks, the MMA community will witness the title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in Canada, and many believe that this is the best opportunity for the UFC CEO, Dana White, to announce Poirier’s retirement fight. So, who is going to be his opponent? Well, rumours in the streets of MMA suggest that ‘The Diamond’ might share the Octagon with Max Holloway in a rematch. Ok, so what is the origin of the rumour? Back in October 2024, Poirier took to his X handle to add a tweet that said, “I want Max or Topuria.”

Just when the speculations were about to die down, Beneil Dariush, in his conversation with Submission Radio, claimed that he had definitely been hearing about Holloway vs. Poirier 3. With ‘The Diamond’ back in the camp, the rumours are catching fire once again, but this time the fans are sad as they will have to say goodbye to their favourite star. Let us have a look at what the MMA community had to say.

Fans disregard Dustin Poirier’s retirement call

Dustin Poirier has been contemplating retirement since his loss to Justin Gaethje, and for him to finally walk away from the world of fighting is a big deal. However, according to one fan, things might take a dramatic turn if ‘The Diamond’ finishes his next fight in spectacular fashion, “If he smokes whoever he’s facing in quick and impressive fashion I can genuinely see him reconsidering or delaying his retirement. Fingers crossed.”

Another fan believes that Dustin Poirier might not retire in his upcoming fight, “Not happening. Cards rarely make it to Lousiana. It’s a huge deal for DP to retire there in front of his people where he started his journey. Having that opportunity and winning in spectacular fashion is a story book ending. To hang the gloves up somewhere else and risk going out on a defeat makes no sense to him.” Why did the fan have this impression? Well, that’s because Poirier told MMA Fighting, “I’m trying to retire in my home state. The UFC hasn’t been there since 2015. I fought on the card as well. I fought Yancy Medeiros, but that was the last time I got to fight at home. To retire where it all started in Louisiana would be incredible for me and my career.” 

Furthermore, another fan believes that Dustin Poirier can fight for the title once again, “dp get your sh-t together, u have 1 more title run in ya.” Poirier is physically fit to compete, however, the main reason why he wants to retire from the sport is to take care of his brain. “I feel good, but I’ve been getting punched and kicked and kneed in the face for almost 18 years. I want to take care of my brain health.”

Moreover, a social media user even believes that he will fight once again, “Don’t worry. He will fight again. They always do.” 

Islam Makhachev has been calling for a move to welterweight, and UFC 315 will determine the fate of both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Looking at this, a fan said, “He is only going to retire if he loses. If he wins he keeping the door open. Especially if that LW belt is vacated. The scenario will get sped up if JDM beats Belal. They will most likely make Dustin vs Ilia and have Islam vacate to fight for the WW belt.” 

Last but not least, a fan emphasized that Dustin Poirier will face Max Holloway in a trilogy fight, six years after their last meeting, “its max for the bmf belt”

As the training for his final battle has begun, what are your thoughts on Dustin Poirier’s upcoming fight? Will ‘The Diamond’ shine for the final time in his next bout? State your opinion in the comments below.