A hunch or a leak? Dustin Poirier's teammate appeared confident when predicting a month and opponent for his farewell fight in the UFC.
It initially appeared as though fans had seen Poirier make the walk for the final time this past summer. After a vintage knockout of Benoît Saint Denis in March, the former interim UFC lightweight champion had one last opportunity to achieve undisputed status.
But while he gave it his all through four rounds against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in Newark, "The Diamond" succumbed to a rear-naked choke in the final frame of the pay-per-view main event.
The veteran's Octagon interview suggested that an official retirement was on the way, but the fire beneath Poirier has not fully diminished. And after pondering a farewell fight, the Louisianan has appeared to make that decision final.
Talk has since turned to which major matchup Poirier could depart the sport off the back of, and "The Diamond" himself narrowed down his options to seven big names.
A man who knows Poirier well from their ongoing stint as teammates over at American Top Team recently picked one out...
Dawson Predicts Poirier vs. Gaethje 3 In February 2025
During a recent interview with MMA News' Ryan Jarrell, Dawson spoke on the current status of Poirier's career and apparent plans to compete one final time before hanging up the gloves.
While reiterating his belief that "The Diamond" is not yet done, "KGD" predicted a February 2025 return for his ATT training partner but insisted that didn't come from a place of insider knowledge.
I think he'll fight in February. I don't have any insider information," Dawson told MMA News. "I don't know anything. There's no (set) date or anything like that. I just don't think he's done. I've texted him a couple times and he sounds like a man who wants to fight again.
But when pondering a date for his own next appearance inside the Octagon, the same month reared its head...
Let's do February, on Dustin's card.
In terms of an opponent, Dawson was 100 percent certain in stating that a rumored clash with former ATT standout Colby Covington is not on the table. Instead, the 30-year-old displayed a grin while producing a different name.
I know for a fact he's not fighting Colby Covington. I called him and asked him about it, and he said, 'Heck no.' He said something a little worse than 'heck,'" Dawson said, before smiling and taking a long pause when asked who he thinks Poirier will face. "Justin Gaethje.
Shot-in-the-dark prediction, educated guess or a statement of fact? We'll let you decide.
Regardless, it would appear that Poirier's mind is indeed made up and that his memorable championship clash with Makhachev won't mark the final chapter in his story.
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