Dustin Poirier recently reflected on what he considers the defining victory of his MMA career.
Speaking on Joe Rogan's MMA Show, the now-retired lightweight recalled his knockout of Conor McGregor at UFC 257 in January 2021 and explained why that was the fight, above all others, that changed everything for him in his 19-year career.
"I fought for 19 years, that Conor fight, that's when things changed for me identity-wise," Poirier said. "The door opened for seminars, for appearances. It changed everything. I went to a lot of UFC main events. I fought for the belt and all that stuff, but that guy's name, man."
Poirier and McGregor first met in 2014, when McGregor defeated Poirier in 98 seconds. Seven years later, Poirier reversed that result in Abu Dhabi, eliminating McGregor in the second round. It was a significant moment in UFC history, but Poirier's comments make it clear how much it meant to him personally and professionally.
The comments are surprising, considering Poirier had already built his resume that night. He headlined pay-per-view events, competed in title matches, and spent a decade at the top of the lightweight division. By any measure, he was already an established name in the game.
But Poirier is clear that none of this translated to the visibility and opportunity that came from defeating McGregor. The importance of McGregor's name, even years short of his best, opened doors that years of elite-level competition had not.
Dustin Poirier explains why he retired from UFC
Poirier ultimately retired from MMA in July 2025 after a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318, where he was defeated in their BMF title trilogy fight. He had announced his retirement even before the match. On the Rogan show, he explained his reason for leaving the position at the age of 36.
"I was scared of fighting for a very long time," Poirier said. "I retired at 36. How much more athletic will I become? How fast will I go? Strength is the last thing, but durability, speed, reaction time and everything else I need decreases with age.
"And if I'm not in the right line for a title shot, what am I doing? I'm just fighting to fight, or for the pay. I had to look at myself in the mirror, like, 'Okay, this is it. I'll be healthy.' For the most part, I went with my abilities.''
