Dustin Poirier suggested he is done with fighting after falling to a late submission defeat against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302.

The undisputed lightweight champion put Poirier to sleep in the fifth round of their main event bout at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday night.

4

Makhachev dug deep and put Poirier out in the final frameCredit: Getty
Makhachev locked up a D’arce choke and forced his opponent to tap, but he ended up falling unconscious before the submission was released.

Poirier’s head bounced off the canvas before Khabib Nurmagomedov stormed the cage to celebrate with his long-time training partner.
UFC President Dana White reacts to Conor McGregor being seen partying before his fight with Michael Chandler
Thankfully, Poirier got back to his feet and congratulated his opponent after being tended to by cageside doctors, who gave him the all-clear.

‘The Diamond’ suggested he may retire in the lead-up to UFC 302 and during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, he suggested he’s done with MMA.

Kevin Holland breaks opponent’s arm moments after suffering heavy knockdown at UFC 302

Poirier said: “I’m not 100 per cent, but if this is my last fight I want to dedicate this journey to the people who made me the man I am, and that’s the women in my life.”

“My grandmother, I miss you every day and I’m still protected by your prayers. My mother, we’ve had a crazy life. I love you. Thanks for always having my back.

“To my wife, I love you so much. I wouldn’t be standing here without you. Babe, I don’t know if I’d be breathing if it wasn’t for you.

“Parker, [Poirier’s daughter] daddy is fine. I love you so much. I’m so proud of you. We alright, baby. Always chase your dreams, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Poirier put up one hell of a fight agaisnt the P4P number oneCredit: Getty

‘The Diamond’ has clearly got a lot left in the tank, but he might retireCredit: Getty
UFC fans emotionally reacted to Poirier’s speech on social media.

One person tweeted: “Man, these legends that are looking to retire just feels like the end of an era we will never get to witness again. It’s painful.”

Another said: “Poirier was so impressive tonight. Really hope this isn’t his last time in the Octagon.”

Someone else wrote: “This made me shed a tear man”

A fourth person said: “All class from Dustin, what a career.”

The 35-year-old may be ready to call it a day, but his performance against the best fighter in the UFC suggests he can still realise his world championship dream