Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Dustin Poirier on EMOTIONAL UFC RETIREMENT, Beating Max Holloway AGAIN
Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction to UFC 318 and the Poirier-Holloway Trilogy

In this compelling episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Daniel Cormier engages in a heartfelt and strategic conversation with UFC star Dustin Poirier. The focal point of their discussion is the highly anticipated UFC 318 event, featuring the trilogy fight between Poirier and Max Holloway. This fight not only marks a pivotal moment in Poirier's career but also serves as his emotional farewell to the octagon.

Performance Playbook: Strategies for UFC 318

Daniel Cormier opens the dialogue by outlining his "RO Performance Playbook" tailored for both Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier.

• Max Holloway’s Strategy:

  "For Max Holloway to get the job done, he's got to do what he did in the second fight earlier, he cannot allow for Dustin to sprint out ahead of him and have to work his way back into the fight as he did last time. And he did that very well to make it a competitive fight." ([02:32])

• Dustin Poirier’s Strategy:

  "For Dustin, he's also got to remind Max Holloway that he's the guy that's won two fights or the first two fights that they had. He's got to get his right hand going. He's got to try to stun him and hurt him early to really put Max Holloway on his heels." ([02:32])

Cormier emphasizes the importance of both fighters maintaining control over the fight's tempo and exploiting each other's weaknesses early on to secure victory.

Emotional Significance of Fighting in New Orleans

The conversation shifts to the emotional backdrop of UFC 318 being held in New Orleans, a city significant to Poirier's career.

• Dustin Poirier Reflects:

  "To lay the gloves down and really retire where I started fighting, I couldn't. It's a dream. It's a dream come true." ([05:45])

Poirier expresses a deep sense of fulfillment and nostalgia, highlighting how fighting in a familiar venue like the Blackham Coliseum brings his career full circle.

Reflections on Past Fights and Career Milestones

Cormier and Poirier reminisce about their early encounters and significant moments in Poirier's UFC journey.

• Momentous Knockout:

  "For me, my greatest Dustin Poirier moment was when you knocked out Conor in Abu Dhabi, bro. I stood up on the chair, like, I smacked the table, you make this big impact." ([07:20])

• Poirier on Career Expectations:

  "No. No, bro. I didn't know what it was going to be. I knew I was going to try as hard as I could, do everything I can to be the best and find out, but no clue." ([07:06])

These reflections underscore Poirier's perseverance and the unpredictable nature of his rise in the UFC, emphasizing his determination to exceed expectations.

The Emotional Journey Towards Retirement

A significant portion of the discussion delves into Poirier's contemplation of retirement and what it means for his legacy.

• Poirier’s Confession:

  "I've been doing this since I was 17 years old. I've been fighting longer than I haven't been fighting. I don't know what a normal civilian, not without the cloud of what should I do?" ([22:45])

• Cormier’s Encouragement:

  "It's nice because there is... what makes you great. That ability to always keep your eye on that prize." ([23:04])

Poirier candidly shares his fears and uncertainties about life post-retirement, highlighting the psychological challenges athletes face when transitioning away from their sports careers.

The Poirier-Holloway Trilogy: Evolution and Expectations

The dialogue explores the evolution of the Poirier-Holloway rivalry over 13 years, marking it as the longest-spanning trilogy in UFC history.

• Poirier on Trilogy Dynamics:

  "Each fight is a new fight. If I fought him last year or two years ago, then I could say, ah, it's probably going to be a lot of similarity, but I don't know. But with completely different body... 13 years." ([18:53])

This lengthy rivalry showcases how both fighters have matured and evolved, making each bout uniquely challenging and unpredictable.

Legacy and What Dustin Poirier Will Be Remembered For

As the conversation nears its conclusion, Poirier reflects on his legacy and what he hopes to leave behind.

• Poirier’s Reflection:

  "This last couple weeks has been a lot of like, reflection and looking back at my career and hard to do that when I'm about to fight one of the best in the world on Saturday." ([17:19])

• Cormier’s Support:

  "I'm seriously proud of you from that time to where you are today. I couldn't have guessed it from that, but every... I'm excited for you guys." ([24:52])

Poirier expresses gratitude and introspection, contemplating how his final fight and potential retirement will cement his legacy in the sport.

Final Thoughts and Support for Poirier’s Journey

In closing, Cormier offers unwavering support and encouragement to Poirier as he prepares for what could be the culminating fight of his illustrious career.

• Cormier’s Affirmation:

  "Dustin Poirier, fight Saturday, UFC 318 for the BMF title to try to go out on top. That's a fairy tale that not many of us get." ([24:48])

This heartfelt endorsement underscores the deep respect and camaraderie between the two fighters, highlighting the significance of Poirier's upcoming bout.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "To lay the gloves down and really retire where I started fighting, I couldn't. It's a dream. It's a dream come true." — Dustin Poirier ([05:45])

• "Each fight is a new fight. If I fought him last year or two years ago, then I could say, ah, it's probably going to be a lot of similarity, but I don't know. But with completely different body... 13 years." — Dustin Poirier ([18:53])

• "I've been doing this since I was 17 years old. I've been fighting longer than I haven't been fighting. I don't know what a normal civilian, not without the cloud of what should I do?" — Dustin Poirier ([22:45])

• "I'm seriously proud of you from that time to where you are today. I couldn't have guessed it from that, but every... I'm excited for you guys." — Daniel Cormier ([24:52])

Conclusion

This episode offers an intimate look into Dustin Poirier's mindset as he approaches what may be his final fight. The candid discussion with Daniel Cormier provides listeners with a deep understanding of Poirier's strategic preparations, emotional struggles, and reflections on a storied career. As UFC 318 approaches, Poirier's journey serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience, legacy, and the poignant considerations that come with contemplating retirement from professional sports.