With just a week remaining until UFC 313, the highly anticipated co-main event between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker got scrapped after the New Zealander had to pull out due to a hand injury sustained during his fight preparations. As a result, the fight card was left in limbo until Gaethje took to Snapchat, announcing, “Hooker is out of the fight. Waiting for a new opponent.” In the aftermath of Hooker’s withdrawal, several lightweight contenders initially expressed interest, including Renato Moicano and 11th-ranked Rafael Fiziev.

Ultimately, it was Fiziev who secured the coveted matchup against Gaethje. Following the announcement, the former interim champ revealed that multiple top fighters, including Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and others, had declined the short-notice fight. He also took a moment to acknowledge Fiziev’s willingness to step up, stating, “Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight…Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th,” Gaethje wrote on X.

However, shortly after Gaethje’s statement, Dustin Poirier swiftly took to X to refute the claim, stating, “I never got the call, I didn’t say no.” He further elaborated, “I’m the one who reached out to them when I read the news. Ask Hunter, all respect to you and Fiziev, looking forward to this one again.”

But did Poirier actually turn down a fight with Gaethje? The answer isn’t so clear-cut. ‘The Diamond’ last entered the Octagon at UFC 302, where he challenged reigning champion Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. Despite his best efforts, he fell short, losing via a D’Arce choke submission in the final round. Many assumed that would be the final chapter of his career, but the Lafayette export defied expectations with his “Uno Mas” announcement, signaling his intent for one last battle.

Though he didn’t immediately name an opponent, the former interim champ sparked speculation in late 2024 by posting “trilogy” on X—a clear hint at a third showdown with ‘The Highlight’. With their rivalry tied at 1-1, fans were certain a trilogy bout was inevitable. However, UFC 313 has seemingly put those hopes to rest. So, if a rematch with Justin Gaethje made so much sense, why didn’t Dustin Poirier take the fight for the Las Vegas card? Let’s break it down.

What could have prevented Dustin Poirier from facing Justin Gaethje at UFC 313?

How could a fighter best conclude a 16-year MMA career? For Dustin Poirier, the ideal ending would be to “lay the gloves down where they started” — in his home state of Louisiana. Whether in Lafayette or New Orleans, ‘The Diamond’ hopes to have his retirement fight there. Although it seemed unlikely that the UFC would return to Poirier’s native city, there’s now renewed optimism. The UFC hasn’t visited since 2015, when UFC Fight Night 68 took place at the Smoothie King Center, with Poirier fighting Yancy Medeiros.

However, in September 2024, the UFC met with Louisiana’s state boxing and wrestling commission, suggesting a potential return to the state. After nearly 9 years, it appears the promotion is on track to fulfill Poirier’s wish. In a recent interview with The Schmo, Dustin Poirier shared an update on his retirement fight, saying, “I wish I could tell you more. I’ve actually been having calls every week with the UFC. But it’s looking like summer in New Orleans is close to happening for my retirement fight. A pay-per-view in New Orleans this summer would be incredible.”

What’s your take on Dustin Poirier’s comments? Do you think he really avoided the short-notice fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313? Poirier has his sights set on New Orleans or Lafayette for his retirement fight. Share your thoughts below.