Dana White heaps praise on Dustin Poirier while confirming objective of hosting UFC 318 in New Orleans: "He's achieved a lot"
UFC 318 lands in New Orleans on July 19, and Dana White has made it clear this one’s for hometown hero Dustin Poirier. The Louisiana native will headline the card in a BMF title bout against Max Holloway.
The fight is poised to be the closing chapter of his storied career. And from the UFC's perspective, it’s a tribute to one of their most reliable stars.
Speaking about Poirier and his last fight in an interview with WDSU News, White said:
"Dustin Poirier is a big star for us. accomplished a lot in the sport. This is for him, to be honest with you. This is for him. He wanted to have his last fight and end his career in New Orleans, so here we are.” [H/t: MMA Junkie]
He added:
"He's ranked No. 5 in the world right now in the lightweight division. He's a guy who's held his position in the top 10 for a very long time. He's achieved a lot. He's one of the all-time greats. Thousands of people have fought in the UFC. I don't know where I could rank him [overall], but he's one of the all-time greats."
Check out Dana White's comments below:
Poirier has been in the UFC since 2011, debuting as a featherweight and quickly earning a reputation for his entertaining fighting style. His rivalry with Holloway began over a decade ago, and now comes full circle in their third meeting.
Poirier holds two wins over Max, including a decision victory in their 2019 title bout and a first-round submission back in 2012.
When Dana White talked about what makes Dustin Poirier a "fu*king legend"
Dustin Poirier silenced every doubt at UFC 299 with a brutal knockout win over Benoit Saint Denis. Despite being seen as the ageing veteran up against a surging contender, Poirier stepped into the fire and came out with a highlight-reel finish.
Many, including Poirier to some extent, believed that the UFC was setting up Saint Denis as the next big name. The second-round knockout reaffirmed his status among the elite, and Dana White praised Poirier’s courage to take that fight and deliver when it mattered most.
Speaking at the UFC 299 post-fight press conference, White said:
“The fight that he took tonight with Benoit, when the talk first started, everybody was like, ‘Oh, this is a bad fight for Poirier, blah, blah, blah. Then Poirier came out and said, ‘You know what, I didn’t sign’ and all this [other stuff]. This is the s*** that makes you a f****** legend. These are legendary fights.”
Check out Dana White's comments below (2:50):