When Dustin Poirier first joined the UFC roster back in 2011, the landscape of champions featured prominent names like Cain Velasquez, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and Frankie Edgar.
Remarkably, aside from Jon Jones and Jose Aldo, virtually every fighter who held a UFC title during Poirier`s debut year is now either retired or no longer competing within the organization. As the 36-year-old veteran prepares for what he anticipates will be his final bout – a retirement fight against Max Holloway scheduled for UFC 318 in July – Poirier recognizes that he is part of the current wave of seasoned fighters preparing to yield the spotlight to the sport`s next generation, much like the legends before him did upon his arrival.
“I think we’re in a changing of the guard,” Poirier stated during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “I got to witness the era that preceded me, the one I grew up watching, being a fan of individuals like Georges St-Pierre, B.J. Penn, Chuck Liddell.”
“I got to sort of see that transition into this new era. I believe we are experiencing something similar now,” he added.
While a few veteran athletes, such as Alexander Volkanovski (who recently became the first fighter over 35 to reclaim a title in a division 155 pounds or lighter at UFC 314), continue to defy expectations, the majority of fighters in that age bracket are reaching the twilight of their careers.
Poirier himself has hinted at retirement for some time but remained steadfast in his desire for one more contest before concluding his career. This final fight is now set to occur in his home state of Louisiana when UFC 318 takes place in New Orleans.
He acknowledged that this day was inevitable and suspects that several other long-standing UFC icons are in a comparable position and will likely step away from the sport relatively soon.
“I’m nearing the end. Justin Gaethje is nearing the end,” Poirier remarked. “Kamaru Usman still has a few fights left. It truly is a changing of the guard right now.”
As established veterans like Poirier and Gaethje approach the conclusion of their fighting journeys, the subsequent wave of talent is undeniably carving out their own paths, with rising stars such as Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett gaining prominence.
