2025 has been a year of some massive fights. With a few of them gone, a few more are on the horizon, with UFC legend Dustin Poirier gearing up for his last fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318. ‘Blessed’ fits the description of ‘The Diamond’s understanding of a “legends only” opponent, and as a cherry on top, Poirier also has the chance to win Holloway’s BMF title. And so, the journey has begun for the former interim lightweight champion.

After 16 years and 41 fights, it’s finally time for Dustin Poirier to wrap up his MMA career. Some argue that they could still compete at the highest level for a couple of more years since he’s still delivering top-tier performances and has shown the capability to beat younger opponents. However, the thought of going back to the drawing board and making his way back to title contention didn’t seem exciting for Poirier, and that’s the primary reason why he’s ending his career in July.

Dustin Poirier now wants to focus on his personal life and prioritize his family and his health, but not before stepping inside the Octagon for one final fight. And yes, he’s taking it very seriously, as he attempts to bid farewell to the fans on a winning note. As such, ‘The Diamond’ has stated his preparation for the BMF title fight, claiming, “It has begun,” on his Instagram stories.

The story Dustin Poirier shared also showed a camera crew with him in the gym as well. It could either be him documenting the road to his final UFC fighter or maybe it’s part of the UFC’s Embedded Vlog team. Whatever it is, the countdown has started with just around two months left for the BMF title fight at UFC 318.

While Dustin Poirier is going to bow out of the game, a UFC veteran has suggested that Dana White has already found the second coming of ‘The Diamond’, but only better. If you’re wondering who that is, here’s what the veteran had to say.

UFC legend claims Jack Della Maddalena is the ‘better version’ of Dustin Poirier

When Dustin Poirier signs off and retires, he’ll be leaving an indelible mark on the UFC. But who carries that forward? Former UFC fighter and recently retired Anthony Smith claims that Jack Della Maddalena is now going to showcase the same skills a Poirier does, but with more efficiency. This statement took shape after the Australian star earned his welterweight title following a great tactical performance against Belal Muhammad.

“I felt like Poirier made it tough at times. I know he got kind of 50-45 up to the point he got finished, but he was able to get up off the ground, he defended some takedowns, he was able to land some shots, he was able to cut Islam. Like, he was able to push Islam,” Anthony Smith stated on the On Paper podcast. “And so, I just thought maybe [Della Maddalena] is a bigger, stronger, younger, maybe better version of Poirier, which makes it interesting.”

Well, being compared to a legend like Dustin Poirier is not bad for Jack Della Maddalena, who’s still just 28 and has shown exceptional skills already. While we wait to see what’s next for him, it will be interesting to see how ‘The Diamond’ caps off his career at UFC 318. Do you think he’s going to sign off with a win? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.