Dustin Poirier explains how his career changed after knocking out Conor McGregor

Dustin Poirier spent a decade in the UFC before stopping Conor McGregor in early 2021. By that point, he’d already fought for titles, headlined events and built up a loyal fanbase.

But according to Poirier, it was the win over McGregor that truly elevated his profile within the sport.

“I fought 19 years, that Conor fight, that’s when things changed for me recognition-wise,” he said during a recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s MMA show.

“The door opened for seminars, for appearances. That changed [everything].

“I had been in so many UFC main events. I had fought for the belt and done all this stuff, but that guy’s name, man.”

Dustin Poirier explains why he walked away from fighting

Dustin Poirier decided to step away from MMA following his defeat to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in July 2025.

He had already made up his mind before the BMF title trilogy, a bout in which he lost by decision.

“I was scared about fighting for too long,” Poirier told Joe Rogan.

“I retired at 36. How much more athletic am I going to get? How much faster am I gonna get?

“Power is the last thing to go, but durability, speed, reaction time, everything that I need [declines with age]. And if I’m not right in line for a title shot, what am I doing? I’m fighting just to fight, or for a paycheck.

“I had to look myself in the mirror, like, ‘Okay, this is it. I’m gonna be healthy.’ I left with my faculties, for the most part.”