Weeks after UFC 318, Dana White & Co. have finally parted ways with Dustin Poirier—who had spent nearly 17 years battling under their banner. On Thursday, the promotion officially removed the fan favorite and longtime UFC pillar from its active roster—a move that brought tears to even the coldest corners of the MMA fanbase.

And why not? For a long time, Dustin Poirier has been known as “The Diamond” of the lightweight category. Even though he never won the definitive UFC title, he became a legend because of his toughness, heart, and amazing fights. In his final outing—his much-hyped “last dance”—Poirier fell short in his attempt to claim the BMF title against reigning champion Max Holloway, delivering a bittersweet ending that shattered fans across the world.

Dustin Poirier was one of the last active fighters from the golden age of lightweights in the 2010s. Some people say his résumé is even better than Khabib Nurmagomedov’s. But the UFC didn’t spend any time looking to the future while fans were still trying to figure out what happened to Poirier. Just one day later, the promotion announced a fresh wave of talent—eight new signings officially added to the UFC roster.

Here is a breakdown of the UFC’s newest recruits: 

Jack Congdon	7-1-0	Cage Titans	N/A
Theodore Haig	6-0	LFA	28
Jean Paul Lebosnoyani	8-1	LFA	26
David Mgoyan	7-0	Tuff-N-Uff	21
Cezary Oleksiejczuk	15-3	FNC	25
Frank Silva	7-0-1	CAORI New Talent	20
Samuel Vasconcelos Da Silva	13-4-1	N/A	29
Michelle Montague	6-0	PFL	31

Yes, this new generation of talent will bring new excitement to the UFC, but it has also worried some critics. They say that it has become a problem for the company, with many people saying that the UFC has too many fighters. “There was a period when not much transpired between events. But detractors say that now, virtually every week there is a Fight Night, if not a Pay-Per-View.

Some people think that Dana White and his team are just trying to flood the promotion with too many fighters because of this never-ending schedule. The UFC had 857 active athletes on its roster by August 2024. This prompted fans wonder if the company is now putting “quantity over quality.”

Aspiring 21-year-old fighter looks up to Dustin Poirier’s legacy for strength

Dustin Poirier represents grit, respect, and longevity in the UFC. Legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and UFC president Dana White have praised him over the years. And while he never held the undisputed championship, he now officially won’t, as the UFC has removed the Lafayette native from its roster. Still, his influence stretches far beyond title belts. After nearly 17 years of relentless dedication, ‘The Diamond’ built a legacy that continues to inspire fighters around the world.

One of those inspired is Marlee Kate Mury, a passionate fan who found her motivation in Dustin Poirier’s journey.
“It just gave me that mindset that I can do it. I’m not going to give up. I mean hearing those words from Dustin Poirier? I mean really?!” she shared. By last year, Mury was training at Gladiator Academy, where she says she encountered Poirier on multiple occasions. Recalling those moments, she said, “I saw him like twice and obviously I was too shy to say hi to him because he’s a big deal,” says Mury.

But when she finally gathered the courage to speak to him, the experience left a lasting impact. “It was honestly amazing to talk to him. I told him that I do MMA and I’ve been doing it for six to seven years and him telling me don’t give up, to keep training. That really meant something to me.”

Now retired, Dustin Poirier is spending quality time with his family and kids, and is soon to welcome his second child. As he steps away from competition, what do you think lies ahead for Poirier in the world of sports? Could he thrive behind the mic as a broadcaster? Drop your opinion below.