Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones seems surprised after hearing that Dustin Poirier is considering retirement after his next MMA bout. “The Diamond” recently hinted at retiring after his upcoming title shot bout. He is scheduled to face the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, for his title at UFC 302 on June 1. This will be Poirier’s third title shot at the undisputed lightweight championship after failing to capture it against Khabib and Charles Oliveira on two different occasions.
The Diamond wants to spend more time with family
Recently, in an interview, Poirier stated that he has been competing in professional MMA for a long time and doesn’t wish to climb the ladder again. He said that MMA is a selfish sport that requires fighters to often sacrifice family time and go through tough training regimes. “The Diamond” asserted that he wants to spend more time with his family and do fatherly duties. The 35-year-old believes that he can continue to fight, but the upcoming bout, irrespective of the result, will be his last. “I’m not sure, man. This could be the last one… I’m still on the fence, win or lose. I just want to be content with my career,” said Poirier.
Bones is surprised by Poirier’s remarks
Similarly, there have been speculations about the future of Jon Jones, who ended his three-year hiatus last year in March at UFC 285. ‘Bones’ defeated Ciryl Gane via submission to capture the vacant UFC Heavyweight title. He was expected to make his first defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 last November, but the bout was canceled as Jones suffered a pectoral injury. He has undergone surgery and is expected to defend it later this year. Jon addressed Poirier’s comments about retirement and reacted on X by writing, “Wait a minute, did he say he’s considering retiring after his next fight!?”
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Poirier’s most recent fight in the UFC was on March 9, 2024, at UFC 299, where he defeated Benoit Saint Denis via knockout. Heading to that fight, Dustin stated that his retirement is approaching fast. He insisted on the fact that can’t love fighting to the extent that it takes him away from his family.
