'This might be it': 35yo UFC superstar's shock admission after wild ...

UFC legend Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier revealed he could be calling it quits after a gutsy performance that ended in defeat against UFC lightweight champion and pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev.

This marks the third time 35-year-old Poirier has challenged for UFC gold and fell short; however, there could still be a road back to title contention for this superstar who’s been around the block and seen all the sport has to offer.

The veteran and former UFC interim lightweight champion, with almost forty professional MMA bouts under his belt, gave the lightweight champion one of his toughest fights to date, with Makhachev sustaining a nasty cut on his forehead late in the fight that demonstrated just how competitive the clash wash.

Poirier spent the majority of the fight defending take-downs from the Dagestani grappler and trading left hands before being submitted in the fifth round – even going to sleep after tapping out.

Speaking to UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan, Poirier questioned himself and his motivation moving forward.

“If I do fight again, what am I fighting for? Just to fight? I’ve done that 50 times.”

“I’ve got a little girl, I’m 35 years old, this might be it. I think this might be it,” he said.

UFC 303: MCGREGOR VS CHANDLER | SUN 30 JUNE 12PM AEST | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.

It’s obvious Poirier would only return to the octagon for match ups that demand his full attention.

Regardless of the brutal loss, it seems he hasn’t lost any confidence, telling Rogan, “I know I can compete with the best of these guys!”.

With the lightweight division being the shark tank that it is, Poirier isn’t lacking in possible blockbuster match-ups. With Justin Gaethje also coming off a loss, the trilogy between Poirier and Gaethje would no doubt deliver another fight of the year contender, just like their first two meetings.

Another matchup between two former Poirier foes later this month could serve up a winner enticing enough to convince the veteran to fight on.

Facing off in what may be the biggest fight of the year, Conor McGregor makes his return against larger-than-life personality Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 30th.

McGregor and Chandler are both re-entering the UFC octagon after lengthy lay-offs after both were finished decisively by the same opponent – Poirier.

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With this being 35-year-old Poirier’s third failed title shot, and having gone through a multitude of brutal wars, it would not be surprising if this is the last time we see the Diamond in the octagon.

Boasting a resume that is incredibly impressive, there is little left for the legend to prove, with Poirier almost certain to find himself in the UFC Hall of Fame after multiple wins over the likes of Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Eddie Alvarez to name a few.

And Makhachev was full of respect for his beaten opponent, saying after the fight: “I think Dustin had a great camp, he defended very well and gave me a hard time.

“He’s a legend of the sport.”

UFC 303: MCGREGOR VS CHANDLER | SUN 30 JUNE 12PM AEST | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.