Daniel Cormier, former UFC champion and current color commentator, has expressed his disapproval of the constant talk surrounding Dustin Poirier’s potential retirement ahead of UFC 302. Poirier is set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in the main event of Saturday’s pay-per-view event in Newark, and the retirement speculation has been a major focus leading up to the fight.
Cormier, who himself retired after a trilogy bout with Stipe Miocic in 2020, understands the pressure and uncertainty that comes with contemplating the end of a fighting career. He believes that athletes should not put a timeline on their careers while still actively competing, as it can distract from the present moment and the task at hand.
Poirier, who has fallen short in previous title opportunities against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, is facing what many believe to be his last chance at capturing undisputed gold in the lightweight division. Despite the external pressure and speculation, Poirier has maintained that a decision on retirement will not be made until after the fight.
Cormier hopes that Poirier is fully focused on the fight and not getting caught up in thoughts of life after fighting. He emphasizes the importance of staying present and committed to the sport, without looking too far ahead to what comes next.
As Poirier prepares to step into the octagon for what could be a career-defining moment, Cormier’s words serve as a reminder to stay in the moment and give it your all in the fight. Life after fighting may hold many possibilities, but for now, the focus should be on the task at hand.