When Dustin Poirier first joined the UFC roster in 2011, the championship scene was dominated by names like Cain Velasquez, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and Frankie Edgar.
Interestingly, with the exceptions of Jon Jones and Jose Aldo, almost every fighter who held a title upon Poirier`s arrival has either retired or is no longer competing under the UFC banner. Now, as the 36-year-old veteran prepares for what is expected to be his final career bout against Max Holloway at UFC 318 in July, Poirier feels his era is ready to pass the torch to the next crop of fighters, much like the legends before him did.
I think we’re in a changing of the guard,
Poirier commented on The Pat McAfee Show. He reflected on the previous transition he witnessed: I got to see the era before me that I was growing up [watching], I was a fan of these guys like Georges St-Pierre, B.J. Penn, Chuck Liddell. I got to kind of see that get transitioned out to this new era. I think we’re going through a little bit of that now.
While some older fighters like Alexander Volkanovski continue to achieve success – Volkanovski recently became the first person over 35 to win a title at 155 pounds or below by reclaiming featherweight gold at UFC 314 – the vast majority of athletes in that age range are nearing the conclusion of their fighting journeys.
Poirier himself has been hinting at retirement for some time but insisted on having one final fight before hanging up his gloves permanently. This planned farewell bout is now set to take place in his home state of Louisiana, as UFC 318 heads to New Orleans.
He acknowledged that this point in his career was inevitable and suspects several other prominent UFC figures from his generation are likely contemplating retirement in the near future.
Speaking about contemporaries, Poirier stated, I’m on my way out. Justin Gaethje’s on his way out. Kamaru Usman has a few left. It’s a changing of the guard right now.
As established veterans like Poirier and Gaethje approach the end of their careers, a new wave of talent is undoubtedly rising, with promising stars such as Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett making significant strides.
