"This is old school brother" - Khabib Nurmagomedov names three UFC fighters including Dustin Poirier who should "stop fighting"
Dustin Poirier last entered the octagon in June as he challenged Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 302, suffering a fifth-round submission loss. While 'The Diamond' had hinted that it could be the final appearance of his mixed martial arts career leading up to the bout, he ultimately opted against retirement.
Khabib Nurmagomedov weighed in on his former opponent's decision to continue his career. Speaking to Henry Cejudo of the Pound 4 Pound Show about potential lightweight opponents for Ilia Topuria, the UFC Hall of Famer stated:
"I think Topuria can beat Charles [Oliveira] and I think Poirier has to stop fighting. I think he's finished. Justin Gaethje, Khabib, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, this is old school, brother. Stop fighting. We have to recognize real things."
Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below (12:07):
Nurmagomedov shared the octagon with both Poirier and Gaethje. He defeated 'The Diamond' via third-round submission at UFC 242 before beating 'The Highlight' via second-round submission at UFC 254. The latter bout marked the final appearance of his legendary mixed martial arts career as he retired afterward, citing the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
'The Eagle' never had the opportunity to face Ferguson, another he named as an old-school fighter who should retire. The pair, however, were booked against one another five times - including twice with the lightweight title on the line - making it one of the most anticipated bouts that never came to fruition.
Dustin Poirier hoping to have retirement fight in Louisiana
While Dustin Poirier put off his retirement plans, he has been adamant that his next bout will be his last. 'The Diamond' said that he is hoping to have his retirement fight in his home state of Louisiana during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show:
"I would love to lay my gloves down at home and never fight again. Finish here in front of my Louisiana friends and family, the people who have been supporting me since I was 17 years old through fighting. And to go out on top. To show I'm leaving, but I still have it. That's important to me, too. I'm not getting squeezed out. Anything could happen. I could lose two more and then I'm one of those guys who got squeezed out of the sport. I want to beat these guys, tough fights, and walk away on top."
Check out Dustin Poirier's comments below (2:16:09):
While Poirier does not have an opponent for his return, he mentioned that he would be open to a trilogy bout with Justin Gaethje. He also listed a welterweight clash with Nate Diaz as an option that would interest him.