Dustin Poirier, the 36-year-old UFC veteran, has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts and a new career as an MMA analyst and commentator. Poirier will join the ESPN broadcast team, following in the footsteps of former fighters like Daniel Cormier, Michael Bisping and Dominik Cruz.
Poirier confirmed the career switch on X, writing: “Looking forward to getting back on the ESPN desk, going to start focusing on that now.” His final fight was a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in July, in his home state of Louisiana.
Often regarded as the best UFC fighter never to win an undisputed title, Poirier held the interim lightweight belt after beating Holloway, but was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov when trying to unify the titles. He retires with a professional record of 30-10 (1 No Contest), including 15 wins by KO/TKO and eight by submission.
Poirier’s career includes victories over six former MMA world champions, including Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje. He submitted Holloway in their first fight and knocked out McGregor in their second bout.
