Dustin Poirier Challenges Ilia Topuria for Final Fight of His Career at UFC 318

The MMA world was shaken when Dustin Poirier, one of the UFC’s most beloved fighters, hinted that he wanted to close his legendary career with a final clash against the reigning featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, at lightweight. But according to Poirier himself, the UFC quickly shut down the idea, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

While UFC 318 could have been the perfect stage for Poirier’s farewell and Topuria’s first step into the 155-pound division, it seems the dream matchup is off the table—at least for now.

Poirier Wanted a Final War Against a Rising Star

After his heartbreaking loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, Dustin Poirier openly contemplated retirement. With a career filled with wars against Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, and Max Holloway, many believed he had nothing left to prove. But Poirier, ever the competitor, wasn’t done yet.

Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Poirier revealed his surprising request to the UFC: he wanted Ilia Topuria for his final fight.

“When Ilia said he was going to 155, I texted the UFC and said, ‘Hey, let me know what’s going on with this guy.’ They told me it’s not happening…” Poirier said, chuckling.

It was a classic Poirier move—seeking the toughest, most dangerous fight available. In this case, it was the unbeaten Ilia Topuria, fresh off his stunning win over Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight crown.

Ilia Topuria: The Lightweight Dream That Has to Wait

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Georgian-Spanish superstar, has made it no secret that his future lies in the lightweight division. After conquering 145 pounds, Topuria announced his intention to move up and test himself against the elite of 155.

The idea of Topuria vs Poirier at UFC 318 was electrifying. Topuria would have faced a proven warrior in his first test at lightweight, while Poirier could have had the ultimate sendoff—a war against an undefeated champion in the making.

But the UFC reportedly declined the matchup, likely for several reasons:

• They may want to build Topuria’s brand at lightweight slowly, giving him a tune-up fight before facing top contenders.

• Poirier’s star power makes him a risky matchup for a debuting lightweight—he could derail Topuria’s hype.

• Timing issues: Topuria’s next fight is still being negotiated, and UFC 318 may have come too soon.

Why Dustin Poirier Wanted Topuria

For Dustin Poirier, choosing Topuria made perfect sense. He’s never shied away from fighting the toughest names in the sport. From Max Holloway to Khabib Nurmagomedov to Conor McGregor to Charles Oliveira, Poirier’s career has been built on facing the elite.

In Topuria, he saw a new challenge. Someone young, hungry, and dangerous. Someone who could bring out the best in him one last time.

“I just wanted a good fight. I don’t need belts. I don’t need rivalries. I just want to scrap with the best one more time,” Poirier explained.

The UFC’s Long-Term Plan for Topuria

It’s clear that the UFC sees Ilia Topuria as one of its next global stars. After his title win in Spain, Topuria has been embraced as the face of European MMA. The UFC is reportedly working on a massive event in Madrid to showcase him.

Throwing him straight into the fire against a battle-tested legend like Poirier might have been too big a risk.

More likely, the UFC will ease Topuria into 155 pounds, perhaps giving him an opponent like Renato Moicano, Dan Hooker, or even Mateusz Gamrot, before throwing him in against names like Poirier or Justin Gaethje.

Poirier’s Legacy: A Warrior’s Career

Regardless of whether the Topuria fight happens, Dustin Poirier’s legacy is secure. The Louisiana native has delivered some of the most exciting fights in UFC history.

✅ Interim lightweight champion.
✅ Two wins over Conor McGregor.
✅ Classics against Gaethje, Holloway, and Chandler.
✅ Title shots against Khabib, Oliveira, and Makhachev.

But for Poirier, it was never just about belts. It was about heart, grit, and giving the fans unforgettable wars.

“I’m proud of my journey. I wasn’t the most talented. I wasn’t the fastest. But I worked my ass off and left it all in there,” he said.

UFC 318: What’s Next for the Card?

With Poirier vs Topuria off the table, UFC 318 remains in flux. Early rumors suggest the card could feature:

• A lightweight contender fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira, depending on injuries.

• A potential welterweight clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov.

• Heavyweight action featuring Tom Aspinall or Sergei Pavlovich.

The UFC may still try to give Poirier a farewell fight on this card—but against who?

Potential Final Opponents for Dustin Poirier

If not Topuria, who could Dustin Poirier face in his retirement fight? Here are a few options:

1. Justin Gaethje III

They’re 1-1. Their first two wars were Fight of the Year contenders. A trilogy to end Poirier’s career makes perfect sense.

2. Michael Chandler II

Their first meeting ended in a brutal Poirier submission win. A rematch would guarantee fireworks.

3. Dan Hooker II

Poirier won a razor-close decision in 2020. Hooker has been rebuilding since. Another five-round war could headline a Fight Night or co-main a PPV.

4. Beneil Dariush

A respected veteran, Dariush could provide Poirier with a technical final battle rather than a brawl.

5. Max Holloway II

A bit of a stretch, but fans love a good rematch. Holloway has flirted with moving back up to lightweight.

Could the Fight Still Happen in the Future?

Never say never in MMA. If Topuria moves up successfully and Poirier decides against retiring immediately, the fight could happen in 2026.

But as of now, the UFC has shut it down.

“They told me it’s not happening, so I’m looking at other options. I’ll fight one more time, then I’m out,” Poirier said.

Topuria’s Lightweight Future: Who Will Be His First Test?

While Dustin Poirier may not be Ilia Topuria’s first opponent at lightweight, the division is packed with challenges:

• Arman Tsarukyan: A technical nightmare for any lightweight.

• Mateusz Gamrot: Grappling-heavy approach could test Topuria’s ground game.

• Jalin Turner: Tall, rangy striker with knockout power.

• Benoît Saint-Denis: Aggressive and powerful, a rising star in Europe.

Topuria’s fans are eager to see if his speed and ferocity at featherweight can translate into success against bigger, stronger lightweights.

Dustin Poirier’s Next Chapter: Retirement, Coaching, or Commentary?

Post-retirement, Dustin Poirier will likely stay connected to MMA. He’s already an entrepreneur, running his Hot Sauce brand and several business ventures.

He’s also expressed interest in coaching fighters at his gym in Louisiana and possibly stepping into a commentary role for the UFC.

And of course, his charitable work with the Good Fight Foundation will remain a major part of his life.

“Fighting gave me everything. Now it’s my turn to give back,” Poirier said.

Final Thoughts: The Fight That Never Was

The idea of Dustin Poirier vs Ilia Topuria was tantalizing—an old-school brawler versus the new-school phenom. A war between grit and youth. But for now, it’s a fight that will stay in the world of “what if.”

Poirier, ever the warrior, will likely fight once more before walking away from the sport he’s helped define. Topuria, meanwhile, will continue his ascent, perhaps one day becoming a two-division champion.

Whether they meet down the road or not, both fighters have left an indelible mark on the sport—and their paths, while separate for now, will forever be linked by this moment of what could have been.