Daniel Cormier TV - Dustin Poirier on EMOTIONAL UFC RETIREMENT, beating Max Holloway AGAIN

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Ebony]

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[Daniel Cormier]

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[Dustin Poirier]

We finally switched to T Mobile because.

[Max Holloway]

They know that those of us here and there want to stay well connected.

[Daniel Cormier]

Let's watch a movie.

[Dustin Poirier]

Thanks to T Mobile we get Netflix.

[Max Holloway]

Included so we can all enjoy our.

[Dustin Poirier]

Favorite shows and movies.

[Max Holloway]

Now the hard part is getting them to agree on a movie.

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[Ebony]

Pretty Private with Ebony, the podcast where silence is broken and stories are set free. I'm Ebony and every Tuesday I'll be sharing all new anonymous stories that would challenge your perceptions and give you new insight on the people around you. Every Tuesday, make sure you listen to Pretty Private from the Black Effect Podcast Network. Tune in on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Dani Shapiro]

Your entire identity has been fabricated. Your beloved brother goes missing without a trace. You discover the depths of your mother's illness. I'm Dani Shapiro and these are just a few of the powerful stories I'll be mining on our upcoming 12th season of Family Secrets. We continue to be moved and inspired by our guests and their courageously told stories. Listen to Family Secrets Season 12 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The volume.

[Daniel Cormier]

What'S up guys? UFC 318 goes down this weekend. It's time for my RO Performance Playbook for Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. 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. If for Poirier, 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. If he allows Holloway to get going and start to build momentum, he will have a lot of problems. But for Max, it set the pace, set the tempo. For Dustin, it's remind him and get that right hand working very early. It's a big time fight in New Orleans, and I'm so happy to be a part of Dustin Poirier walk away fight. Hey, that's my role performance playbook. Hey, guys. And if RO is prescribed, all new sexual health patients get $15 off of their first Art of Spoiler Sparks on a recurring plan. So connect with a provider at RO Co DCTV to find out if prescription Rose sparks are right for you. Once again, guys, that's R O, B O, T, c o/dctv for 15 off of your first order. Go get that Rose Sparks. Hey, Rose Sparks be having them dudes ready, and them dudes gonna be ready this weekend at UFC 318. Let's go, Daniel. All right, so we back home. It's different, man. Like, it's. It's. It's interesting being in Louisiana for a fight, especially a UFC fight. I was just driving past. I think it was on Canal street, and that big poster you in. In there, that's gotta feel special, man.

[Dustin Poirier]

Like, I saw it on the. On the drive in from Lafayette, bro.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, it feels special, though.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah, yeah, for sure, for sure, for sure.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. I was supposed to fight her in 2015. I didn't get to, and, man, I was like, man, I'm so happy that you get to experience this moment.

[Dustin Poirier]

I fought in 2015 on that car. Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, you did. How was that?

[Dustin Poirier]

It was awesome, man. That was the last time UFC was here. Yeah, yeah, it was awesome.

[Daniel Cormier]

Did they go crazy when you came out?

[Dustin Poirier]

Of course.

[Daniel Cormier]

But imagine today, though, back then, you were kind of like, I wasn't main event, you wasn't there yet. Now you're here, like, what is. What is the expectation of what it's going to be like Saturday?

[Dustin Poirier]

It's going to be crazy. I think the energy is going to be great. It's going to be crazy. Last. Last one in 2015. I remember like in the locker room warming up. It just felt right. I'm just hoping it feels like that Saturday night.

[Daniel Cormier]

Well, especially when you start in the Cajun Dome, right? Like, you don't fought in the Cajun Dome, you don't fall.

[Dustin Poirier]

Blackham Coliseum.

[Daniel Cormier]

Blackham Coliseum. Like your career has, it started here and it's going to end here.

[Dustin Poirier]

I fought in the Superdome once.

[Daniel Cormier]

You fought in the Superdome?

[Dustin Poirier]

Rich Clemente put on a fight in the Superdome in 2008 with a car show. They had these nice cars all over. Cage set up in the middle of the cars. I fought in the Superdome.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's crazy.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

So what?

[Dustin Poirier]

And you know how big it is. We had the. From the locker room. From the locker room, we had to get on a golf cart all the way to the ca. Yeah, yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

No more Dustin Y. Cuz it's big. It's big to be walk like, especially when you're down there on the field. Super Dome, Cajun Dome, Smoothie King Center. It has to feel very special that it makes its way full circle for you to have this moment.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah, bro. 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.

[Daniel Cormier]

I. I remember when I first met you, way back in like 2011, I.

[Dustin Poirier]

Think, when I double legged you.

[Daniel Cormier]

Dustin, stop saying that because you mean that was points. That was points.

[Dustin Poirier]

That was points.

[Daniel Cormier]

That. So you keep telling people you took me down, man. People believe it too.

[Dustin Poirier]

I mean, because it's true.

[Daniel Cormier]

They believe it because I'm an old retired guy and you're still fighting, so they tend to believe the guy. That's still.

[Dustin Poirier]

It's true.

[Daniel Cormier]

We got into that room, right? It was a small one. It wasn't even the big gym yet. So I went the second time. First time I met you, it was inside that. Like, it was my Piggly Wiggly inside that.

[Dustin Poirier]

Anytime fitness.

[Daniel Cormier]

Anytime Fitness. And you were like, hey, I'm in the wec. And I was like, wow, you're in the wec? And then I went back the next year and you were like, two years later, I'm making my UFC debut and you're going to fight Josh Grisby. And you were like, I'm about to buzz this dude ass. And I was like, man, a lot of expectation on this guy. Anything, he'll be good. And I remember sitting in my apartment in San Jose and I watched you make that UFC debut and you put it on him, just like you said.

[Dustin Poirier]

Oh, yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

And it was all systems gold, bro. Like, this career from what the expectation was when you started to where it is today, could you ever have imagined?

[Dustin Poirier]

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. No clue. It was going to be this long of a journey and this. The heights that I've had, and it's incredible.

[Daniel Cormier]

Can you point to a moment, like, your best moment? I mean, it's a career filled with many, right? You had. For me, my greatest Dustin Poirier moment was when you knocked out Conor and Abu Dhabi, bro. I stood up on the chair, like, I smacked the table, and it was like, oh, my God, you can't do that. You slap the table, you make this big impact. But, like, is there one moment that stands out to you more than anywhere is like, damn, dude. Like, when it's all said and done, right, you at home in Lafayette, you go, that was. That was special.

[Dustin Poirier]

That. That night you're talking about was super special. You know, being an underdog, traveling across the world during COVID and get quarantined at that hotel. Quarantine in a couple of days in Vegas before they let me get. Get to the plane and stuff.

[Daniel Cormier]

Remember we had that conversation sitting in the lobby, you and I?

[Dustin Poirier]

Oh, we were at the same hotel.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, we sat in that. It was like a Holiday Inn or something like that. Yeah, we had that conversation. And once again, it was the second time that you actually said, I'm about to put it on this, dude. You did it with Josh Grisby, and you did it with Conor McGregor. And that second time. You guys just feel different going into this one. Opposed to the first one. What do you think? It was just maturity.

[Dustin Poirier]

Maturity and not listening to the noise of critics and fans and stuff. You know, when a guy talks that much, it's easy to get caught up reading headlines and stuff like that. I just didn't care.

[Daniel Cormier]

We watched that fight from Lafayette in that sports bar. All of us got together. When you fought Conor the first time, and you just. You weren't yourself. But I remember he insulted all of us when we were doing that press conference together.

[Dustin Poirier]

Oh, yeah, yeah, we were together.

[Daniel Cormier]

He was insulting me because by default, I was with you.

[Dustin Poirier]

And you're from Lafayette. He's talking on Lafayette. You're like.

[Daniel Cormier]

He's, like, talking about Both of us, yeah. One hillbilly, one ghetto hillbilly, like, just making fun of me. But I think that moment, to me was probably because I remember that in that fight, you kind of went. I was like, oh, he got his timing.

[Dustin Poirier]

I hit him with a good hook.

[Daniel Cormier]

You hit him with a nice check hook. You were like, okay, I got you. Like, did you feel like you knew? Like, okay, this is. This is what it is.

[Dustin Poirier]

I felt confident. Like, I started getting his rhythm, his timing, making him miss countering him. I was like, okay, here we go. It's happening. It's starting to happen. You know. You know, when it. Not that I was on the back foot or coming from losing rounds or something and trying to get the momentum back, but I just felt it start starting to go in my way, and I was like, oh, this is going to be a long night for him.

[Daniel Cormier]

That was a great moment. That was such a great moment. I'm going back to New Orleans for UFC 318, Holloway versus Poirier. Number three is. Once again, I'm partnered up with the DraftKings sportsbook to give all new customers a fantastic offer. Look, you go down to New Orleans for a UFC fight, it has to mean something to somebody. It means something to Dustin Poirier. So why not get in on the action at the DraftKings sportsbook for all of our new customers, where if you bet only $5 or more, we'll give you $150 in bonus bets instantly. Sign up using my promo code, dctv. All you got to do, sign up, punch that promo code in, bet $5 or more, and get 150 in bonus bets instantly. Look, these guys have fought twice. The third time is for the BMF title Down on the Bayou. It couldn't get any better, especially for a guy like me. So I want to bring you in on the action. So go to the DraftKings sportsbook, sign up using my promo code, DCTV. Bet $5 or more and get 150 in bonus bets instantly again at the DraftKingsportsbook. Guys, the crown is yours.

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[Ebony]

Private with ebony, the podcast where silence is broken and stories are set free. I'm EBONY and every Tuesday I'll be sharing all new anonymous stories that would challenge your perceptions and give you new insight on the people around you. On Pretty Private, we'll explore the untold experiences of women of color who faced it all. Childhood trauma, addiction, abuse, incarceration, grief, mental health struggles and more. And found the strength to make it to the other side. My dad was shot and killed in his house. Yes, he was drug dealer. Yes, he was a confidential informant, but he wasn't shot on a street corner. He wasn't shot in the middle of a drug deal. He was shot in his house unarmed. Pretty Private isn't just a podcast. It's your personal guide for turning storylines into lifelines. Every Tuesday, make sure you listen to Pretty Private from the Black Effect Podcast Network. Tune in on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Dani Shapiro]

Your entire identity has been fabricated. Your beloved brother goes missing without a trace. You discover the depths of your mother's illness, the way it has echoed and reverberated throughout your life, impacting your very legacy. Hi, I'm Dani Shapiro and these are just a few of the profound and powerful stories I'll be mining on our 12th season of Family Secrets. With over 37 million downloads, we continue to be moved and inspired by our guests and their courageously told stories. I can't wait to share 10 powerful new episodes with you. Stories of tangled up identities, concealed truths, and the way in which family secrets almost always need to be told. I hope you'll join me and my extraordinary guests for this new season of Family Secrets. Listen to Family Secrets Season 12 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Daniel Cormier]

Check out behind the Flow, a podcast documentary series following the launch of San Diego Football Club. We go behind the scenes and explore the stories of those involved.

[San Diego FC Host]

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[Dustin Poirier]

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[San Diego FC Host]

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[Daniel Cormier]

Listen to San Diego FC behind the Flow now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Max Holloway]

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[Dustin Poirier]

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[Max Holloway]

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[Daniel Cormier]

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[Max Holloway]

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[Daniel Cormier]

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[Dustin Poirier]

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[Max Holloway]

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[Dustin Poirier]

Foreign.

[Daniel Cormier]

You guys have fought two times. Very rarely do guys fight three times. When one guys won both of those fights. How did it come to be Max Holloway? And when you got that name, is. Is it why you came back? Because even last year you thought about did that might have been it for you? Was the opportunity to fight Max Holloway for the BMF championship a reason enough for you to say, okay, I want to do this one more time?

[Dustin Poirier]

No. After the. After the Islam fight, I was really thinking about retirement, but just my story and the person I am, like, if I can't try to bounce back one more time before I lay the gloves down, it felt like I was doing myself a disservice. Yeah, I wanted to write the ship one more time in a big fight. I actually asked for Justin Gaethje. When I reached out to the UFC and said, hey, can we. I'm gonna retire. If there's any way we can do in New Orleans, let me get Gaichi. We're one in one. It makes sense to me. But then he was. This is before the news came out that he was supposed to fight Dan Hooker. This is how far back we've been planning. Yeah. And UFC said, no, he's already booked. He's fighting Dan Hooker. And whatever date, they said, well, we want you to fight Max. So they. They wanted the Max fight, and it Just. And I asked them to come into New Orleans and they said they were going to do everything in their power to make it happen. Couldn't promise me, but they were going to try their best. And it all happened, man.

[Daniel Cormier]

What made you feel so confident that you can ask for that? A place I hadn't been in 10 years.

[Dustin Poirier]

I know I didn't. I just took your shot. Just swing for you. You missed all the shots. You don't swing at, man.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, you don't. If you don't think this way, get a chance.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah. Dana and Hunter told me. They said I can't promise you anything, but I do prom. I can't promise you it's gon happen, but I do promise you we'll try our best.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. And you get the word. Max Holloway, BMF title. Right. You fought for that belt now on two different occasions. Like winning that belt would mean another notch in your belt in terms of your legacy. When you talk about legacy and think about legacy, like, what is Dustin Poirier going to be remembered for?

[Dustin Poirier]

I don't know, man. 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. So I don't really. I'm not diving into it yet, but I've been feeling so much love and seeing moments and video clips of my career that I kind of forgot about. I don't think about often. It's just crazy when I put it all together. It's been such a crazy, crazy journey, man. And. But to get the BMF belt in a retirement, to never lose two fights in a row and 50 something fights. Yeah, it's important. It's very important for me.

[Daniel Cormier]

How does this one play out, you and Max? Because in the first fight he was undefeated guy. You submitted him. That was in Los Angeles.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah, Vegas.

[Daniel Cormier]

Vegas. Okay. Then second fight, you're in Atlanta for the interim championship. You start really fast. He actually worked his way back into the fight through the middle rounds and then you went to a second gear. How does this one look Saturday? And pointing to that one, that was a mo. That was another one of those moments where you looked like you had matured in fighting. Because in the Korean zombie fight, when it started to kind of go like that, you weren't able to go to that next level. Like you developed that over time. How does this one look Saturday to where you don't have to go to that next level to kind of Keep him off.

[Dustin Poirier]

I might have to. I might have to go to second, third, fourth, fifth year. You know, I'm prepared to do that. I mean, we're both the best we've ever been. A lot of big fights, experience under our belt. He's been champion, BMF champion. He's fought the best of the best. He's a Hall of Famer, so he's bringing so much fighting knowledge into this fight, and so am I. You know, I have a long career. I fought the best of the best myself. The thing about this trilogy is it's 13 years.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know, that's crazy.

[Dustin Poirier]

13 years.

[Daniel Cormier]

Longest spanning trilogy in UFC history.

[Dustin Poirier]

Is it?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. There's never been a trilogy that took that much time to complete.

[Dustin Poirier]

13 years. But because of that, DC, it's been so far removed between each one. We're completely different. Each fight is a new fight.

[Daniel Cormier]

Each fight is a new fight.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah. If. 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. Five years now, again, 20, 18 or 19 years. 20, 19 or 18.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Dustin Poirier]

I don't know.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's crazy, right?

[Dustin Poirier]

And the things he's done since that fight. The things I've done since that fight were. Were different.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know, watching him in that gate fight, like, what do you take from that? Opposed to watching him in the Ilia fight? Is he. You know, like. Because in the gate fight, he looked amazing.

[Dustin Poirier]

He looked amazing. I think that's stylistic, too. Stylistic, too.

[Daniel Cormier]

Gaeti is a good fight for him.

[Dustin Poirier]

Gaethj is a good fight for him. I. I was telling everybody I can't bet on the fights, obviously.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Dustin Poirier]

But I was telling everybody I know who does bet, bet Max by decision. I thought he was going to just outpoint him out rhythm, you know, Gaethje's dangerous, but I thought Max would be a little bit crisper technically and use his length and move around, which he did.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, he did.

[Dustin Poirier]

He did. He was up. He was up five rounds. He didn't have to toss himself in the fire in the last 10 seconds, but that's just the kind of fighter he is. So that's what makes me excited to fight him. I want to fight guys like that. And for my final one, it could be a masterpiece or a war, something great. And we can make something great happen on Saturday night.

[Daniel Cormier]

Dp, you said earlier you're feeling all this love because of the retirement, but you're a guy that has made a career on kind of being like underestimated. Like, guys. Like, I remember when I was in Miami and you're going to fight Benoit Sadh Knee and you're an underdog, and you walked into this meeting where we sit and I was like, bro, you're an underdog. And you was like, man, I don't. I can't call it. I can't call it. Like, how. What's the difference between this. Like, how do you navigate this? Opposed to in so many instances where O' Connor McGregor's gonna beat this dude, Justin Gates is going to beat this, Eddie Alvarez is gonna beat this dude, and you had just prove him wrong. Prove wrong.

[Dustin Poirier]

Right.

[Daniel Cormier]

Prove him wrong. How are you in this where it's like all love and it's. It's expected by many that you get through Max Hollow?

[Dustin Poirier]

I don't think it's expected by the bookies. By the. By Vegas. I think I'm a dog.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, I thought you were the favorite when this.

[Dustin Poirier]

Oh, is it?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Dustin Poirier]

No, no, I'm not.

[Daniel Cormier]

Maybe, maybe the. The. The people might have bet you to a. A dog, but you were the favorite one that opened us, huh? Yeah.

[Dustin Poirier]

Good. But either way, it doesn't matter. I put in the work and I'm ready to go.

[Daniel Cormier]

Person's won two fights in a over the person.

[Dustin Poirier]

Cuz I'm. I don't know. The things he's done, the fights he's won since then, fights I've lost. My age. I don't know. We got to find out.

[Daniel Cormier]

But, but you also just did it. You literally just did it. You said, not by Vegas. I'm the dog. Because almost like you, that's the role that you've always do. You like it?

[Dustin Poirier]

I love it.

[Daniel Cormier]

You love proving me wrong?

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

You literally just did it. You were like, you. Oh.

[Dustin Poirier]

I was like, whoa, whoa, whoa. No, no, no.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm trying to say stack it against me, please.

[Dustin Poirier]

I need it.

[Daniel Cormier]

I like it. I like it.

[Dustin Poirier]

That's why I do my best work.

[Daniel Cormier]

Dustin, what's the act like? So when Saturday night ends, right, Regardless of the out, I mean, nobody wants.

[Dustin Poirier]

To go out there and ah, you did what you're supposed to do. Like, ah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You fought a good fight, but we all. We all knew you were gonna.

[Daniel Cormier]

I. Dude, it would motivate me.

[Dustin Poirier]

So stack it against me. Make it, you know, make it something that seems impossible.

[Daniel Cormier]

I was the champion and against dudes on three occasions, I was the underdog. I'm like, this is the craziest Stuff I've ever. But it makes you. Makes you want to work harder. That's when this whole thing's done right. And you're. You're. You go back to your beautiful wife and your daughter and your new kid. How do you look back on this whole thing and go, man, I can take note now because like you said, it's hard to do that when you still got to fight.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

I did that with Lauren Murphy last weekend. She was fighting, but she was retiring. How do you keep it separate? And when you sit back in Lafayette on Tuesday and you don't have to go to the gym, and I know you still will.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Like, what is. What do you. What do you expect life to be?

[Dustin Poirier]

I don't know. I've done this since I was 17 years old. I've been fighting. I don't know what that other side is. I've been as. I know I said it a hundred times this week already, and I've only been here two days. I've been doing this longer than I haven't been doing this. I've been fighting longer than I haven't been fighting.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Dustin Poirier]

I don't know what a normal civilian, not without the cloud of what should I do? People are getting ready to fight. I know they're getting better. How far am I away from weight? What could I be doing to learn something like, that's always for the last. I don't know how many years in the back of my head, no matter what I'm doing, you know, it's just a cloud that hovers over me. I don't. I've never had a data gone. I don't know. I don't know what it's going to feel like. I'm scared.

[Daniel Cormier]

It'll be nice. Deep.

[Dustin Poirier]

I'm scared.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm telling you right now. It's nice because there is. It's. It's. It's what makes you great. That ability to always keep your eye on that prize. But when you have that freedom to just focus on those other things that matter more, it's the best. And then you also got tv. I think you're very good on tv and you should do more.

[Dustin Poirier]

I wanted. I wanted.

[Daniel Cormier]

We want you guys. We want you to join Channel and I on our show, like, whenever you can. And more stuff at the desk. I think you'll be amazing.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

You got business first.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah, for sure. A lot of big business. My plate's full. Saturday.

[Daniel Cormier]

Big business on big business. Somebody asked me, last one before I let you go. They said hey, you think he's really done? And they showed me a clip of you talking. I said, that sounds like a man that's come to peace with what's happening in the future.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Was that hard coming to that piece knowing like, where you flip flop? Cuz there's a guy named Jordan Burrows at Russell.

[Dustin Poirier]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

And I. You know Jordan bur. Right. I said, jb, I said, are you happy? He goes, no, he. He's that competitive. Fire still burns inside.

[Dustin Poirier]

Right? Of course.

[Daniel Cormier]

You got to come to peace with it, though. How. How did you manage to come to peace with it?

[Dustin Poirier]

I don't know if I am yet.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Dustin Poirier]

I don't know if I'm there. You know, ask me in two months, maybe I'll be able to tell you, but I don't know right now. I'm too close to the. I'm too close, man.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Dustin Poirier]

I'm too close to the frame to see the full picture. And we'll see.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know, man, Dustin, it's been great to watch, man. Seriously, I'm proud of you.

[Dustin Poirier]

Thank you.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm seriously proud of you from. From that time to where you are today. I. I couldn't have guessed it from that, but every. From that first double leg, but every, every time. I've been so locked in, man. I'm excited for you guys. 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. I didn't get it, but GSP did, and so did Khabib. Maybe Dustin Poirier gets it too. Make sure you got go to espn.

[Dustin Poirier]

Don't forget about my boy, Robbie Lawler. He did it.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, yeah. Robbie did too.

[Dustin Poirier]

Don't forget about my boy.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'll be had. The fairy tale ending of all.

[Dustin Poirier]

Don't forget about my boy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Could Robbie have gone 15 minutes if he had to?

[Dustin Poirier]

Oh, yeah, bro. He could have did 25.

[Daniel Cormier]

Mike Brown was like, thank you, thank you. I saw Mike in the back just celebrating more than I ever see. Guys, tap in everything Dustin's doing. Go to his comments and tell him, do more TV because we think he's good. ESPN+ pay per view buy Linus Pockets on his way out. No streamys, no streaming. Go to DP stuff. Until next time, guys. Peace. This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

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[Ebony]

Welcome to Pretty Private with Ebony, the podcast where silence is broken and stories are set free. I'm Ebony, and every Tuesday I'll be sharing all new anonymous stories that would challenge your perceptions and give you new insight on the people around you. Every Tuesday, make sure you listen to Pretty Private from the Black Effect Podcast Network. Tune in on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Dani Shapiro]

Your entire identity has been fabricated. Your beloved brother goes missing without a trace. You discover the depths of your mother's illness. I'm Dani Shapiro, and these are just a few of the powerful stories I'll be mining on our upcoming 12th season of Family Secrets. We continue to be moved and inspired by our guests and their courageously told stories. Listen to Family Secrets Season 12 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ebony]

This is an iHeart podcast.