Lafayette native and former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier is returning to Louisiana to call it a career tomorrow night versus Max Holloway. It has been ten years since Poirier fought in his home state, but he said now is not the time for reminiscing.
“We got to save that stuff for after the fight,” said Poirier. “I got to be tough guy right now, and you guys are making me cry, sending me notes from people I have a lot of respect for, but it’s been incredible, man, the love, the appreciation. I feel seen, I feel appreciated, I love Louisiana.”
Poirier defeated Holloway in their first meeting in 2012 and again in 2019.
Poirier has taken the opportunity at many of his fights to raise money for his The Good Fight Foundation, a nonprofit benefiting the Lafayette community. Poirier said he’ll be auctioning off everything he wears in his final fight to support the foundation.
“Over 1,200 backpacks with school supplies, and August 5, we’re doing the pickup in Lafayette, Louisiana. So as soon as this fight ends, I get a little downtime, and then we’ll be right back to fighting the good fight,” said Poirier.
After 39 UFC fights and a 16-year professional career, Poirier said he’s content with where the journey has brought him. He said, “Titles are great, but this experience is worth more than that.”
“The question you have to ask is: When I look in the mirror, what’s more important, what I attain on the journey or the person I become on the journey? I’m content with the person I see in the mirror, man. I’m thankful, I’m grateful and I’m in a good spot,” said Poirier.
The main event in the Smoothie King Center is scheduled for 9 p.m.
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