Poirier had his final fight on Saturday night in New Orleans, in the lightweight main event of UFC 318—a card that was built for him. His opponent was Max Holloway, a former featherweight champion he had beaten twice before, and on paper, had all the skills to beat again.

Dustin Poirier lost his UFC retirement fight to Max Holloway in New Orleans. But the Lafayette native left the cage with pride and gratitude. "I’m a kid just living his dream out here. I’m chasing dreams still.

Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier in a unanimous decision to retain the UFC BMF Championship in UFC 318 at the Smoothie King Center. The win for Holloway is the first in three fights against Poirier, who beat him in 2012 and 2019.

Dustin Poirier didn't walk out of the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans with a win Saturday, but he did leave with the respect of his peers.