Dustin Poirier Talks UFC Retirement Bout vs. Holloway, White House Fight Card, More

Dustin Poirier is not going back on his retirement to get on the UFC card for the 2026 event at the White House.

Speaking to TMZ Sports, Poirier made it clear his bout with Max Holloway at UFC 318 on Saturday night will be the end of his fighting career.

"I'm retired next week," Poirier said in response to a question about potentially main-eventing the planned Fourth of July show in Washington D.C.

In the wake of President Donald Trump declaring UFC would hold a show at the White House on July 4, 2026, as part of his planned America 250 event, Dana White has said the promotion intends to put on the "baddest card of all time" and everyone was pushing to be on the show.

Poirier announced in April that the final fight of his storied career would be against Holloway BMF title in his home state of Louisiana.

"He's a legend," Poirier told TMZ of his longtime rival. "Multiple time champion and a guy I have a lot of respect for, and a guy who wants to scrap."

This will be the third fight between Poirier and Holloway. Poirier won the first two bouts, but they haven't squared off since UFC 236 in April 2019.

Poirier has lost three of his last five bouts, with his most recent appearance being a loss to Islam Makhachev in June 2024 for the lightweight championship.