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UFC star Dustin Poirier gives promising update regarding retirement fight

'The Diamond' could return sooner than anticipated.

Zain Bando

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Summer travel plans can start being made as soon as possible - according to UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier, at least.

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In an interview with MMAFighting released Monday morning, the former interim lightweight champion mapped out when his next fight would happen but did not reveal who it would be against, nor if he would compete during a pay-per-view or Fight Night card.

"It's summer, July or August probably.," Poirier said. "We're working on UFC New Orleans."

Dustin Poirier reacts during the fight against Islam Makhachev during UFC 302 at Prudential Center.
Dustin Poirier reacts during the fight against Islam Makhachev during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The summer booking is expected to be Poirier's retirement fight. Poirier has not fought since last June, suffering a submission loss to UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev in Poirier's third attempt at claiming undisputed gold.

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Dustin Poirier Respects Ilia Topuria's Decision

Although Poirier won't be part of the division's plans moving forward, he did comment on developments surrounding Ilia Topuria's soon-to-be-vacated featherweight title in a transition to lightweight.

Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center.
Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Given Topuria's resume, Poirier said if he were the UFC, Topuria should be able to hand-pick who he wants to fight next.

“That’s tough to say, especially with all of the contenders, with how the lightweight division’s been over the last few years,” Poirier said. “But with a guy like him, vacating the belt and moving up, finishing Max Holloway the way that he did, I would give him a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat.”

Poirier said he doesn't blame Topuria for his decision to move up, given UFC CEO Dana White's remarks about Topuria having "cemented his legacy."

Ilia Topuria defeats Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.
Ilia Topuria defeats Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“It’s honorable to vacate the belt, to not hold up the division where guys have been working so hard to get their shot at the title," Poirier said. "He’s doing it the right way."

Poirier also made a point regarding Topuria's walk around weight likely being suitable for his move to lightweight after all.

Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center.
Ilia Topuria celebrates his championship victory against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“I’ve never seen him in person, but everybody says he’s heavy, that he walks around heavy, but if he can make 145, I don’t know how big he is because some of these lightweights are huge.”

Nevertheless, expect Poirier back in the Octagon soon as plans for his return are beginning to have some much-needed movement.

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

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