Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Dustin Poirier after UFC 302 title loss?
(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Islam Makhachev after UFC 302 title defense?)
Dustin Poirier was unable to finish the story Saturday when he fell short of the undisputed lightweight championship for a third time in the UFC 302 headliner.
Poirier (31-8 MMA, 23-7 UFC) gave a valiant and competitive effort to Makhachev (25-2 MMA, 14-2 UFC) at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., but ultimately suffered a fifth-round submission loss to see his dreams shattered once more.
“The Diamond” made it clear post-fight that retirement is on the forefront of his mind, but did not commit to a decision on his future.
What should Poirier do going forward after more than a decade of memorable fights inside the octagon? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future after UFC 302.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 302.
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Dustin Poirier Islam Makhachev UFC 302 faceoff exchange
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Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier
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Dustin Poirier UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier weighs in during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier weighs in during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Dustin Poirier UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier weighs in during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier weighs in during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Dustin Poirier UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier is introduced during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier is introduced during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Dustin Poirier UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier is introduced during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier is introduced during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Dustin Poirier UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier speaks to the crowd during the UFC 302…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Dustin Poirier speaks to the crowd during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Islam Makhachev UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Islam Makhachev weighs in during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Islam Makhachev weighs in during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Islam Makhachev UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Islam Makhachev weighs in during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Islam Makhachev weighs in during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Islam Makhachev UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Islam Makhachev speaks into the microphone during the UFC 302…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: Islam Makhachev speaks into the microphone during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier UFC 302 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: (L-R) Islam Makhachev faces off with Dustin Poirier during the…
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 31: (L-R) Islam Makhachev faces off with Dustin Poirier during the UFC 302 Ceremonial Weigh-in at Prudential Center on May 31, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) reacts during the fight against…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) reacts during the fight against Islam Makhachev (red gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) reacts during the fight against…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) reacts during the fight against Islam Makhachev (red gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves)…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) is examined by medical staff…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) is examined by medical staff after the fight against Islam Makhachev (red gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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Islam Makhachev def Dustin Poirier UFC 302
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) celebrates defeating Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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Islam Makhachev def. Dustin Poirier, UFC 302 video
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) after the fight against Dustin…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) after the fight against Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 302-Makhachev vs Poirier
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) after the fight against Islam…
Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) after the fight against Islam Makhachev (red gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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Islam Makhachev def. Dustin Poirier, UFC 302 Scorecard
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