Dustin Poirier is nearing the end of his UFC career and gearing up for what is ahead, but not before having his last dance in his home state of Louisiana. It’s been a couple of days of bonding for Poirier and his connection to his home state. ‘The Diamond’ announced on Friday that he would be bringing the Octagon back to New Orleans for the first time since 2015 and would fight  Max Holloway in a trilogy bout at UFC 318 for his last dance. Meanwhile, he was also present on behalf of the New Orleans Saints at Saturday’s NFL draft. Poirier appeared on Day 3 of the draft in Green Bay and announced the 184th pick on behalf of the New Orleans Saints, selecting Devin Neal.

‘The Diamond’ is set to hang up his gloves once and for all after an amazing 30-9-0 record and more than a decade in UFC. However, before getting to that, let’s see how he announced the entry of Neal into the New Orleans Saints. Poirier entered the stage with loud cheers from the audience and said, “What’s good, Green Bay? Hey, we got some good weather today. Yesterday was nasty. With the 184th pick of the 2025. NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints select Devin Neal running back from Kansas. Welcome to the team.”

Devin Neal is surely a ‘steal’ for the team because even though they did not need a running back, he is too much of an asset to let go of. A running back for the Kansas Jayhawks, the 21-year-old achieved multiple accolades during his college career. He became the school’s all-time leading rusher and touchdown scorer. He also has the record for most 100-yard rushing games. Neal was the first Jayhawk to rush for 200+ yards and receive 100+ yards in a single game, so he is definitely a catch for the New Orleans Saints.

After Poirier announced his drafting, the fans commented on the former’s appearance for the announcement, saying things like, “Dustin Poirier’s publicity tour is insane,” and  “Kinda surprised he read it off that fluently.” Poirier is excited for the next chapter as he is about to conclude his UFC journey. What are his plans after retirement? Let’s hear it from ‘The Diamond’ himself.

Is Dustin Poirier leaving MMA permanently?

The “fighter’s fighter” won’t leave MMA that easily since he admitted that this is the sport that gave him everything. He spoke to MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn and said that he was always chasing the title and after years of hard work it was time to take care of his health and family. But Poirier does not plan on leaving MMA completely.

Poirier’s impact extends far beyond the Octagon through his “The Good Fight Foundation,” which he co-founded. The foundation helps underserved communities in Louisiana with food distribution and youth initiatives, showcasing Poirier’s commitment to making a difference off the fight card. His charitable work adds a meaningful chapter to his legacy.

Then, while speaking to  Bohn, he talked about his stint as the desk analyst for UFC 314. He said, “ I think I might have done it was this the fourth three or fourth, yeah getting more comfortable like anything? It’s the reps going with the flow kind of feeling comfortable with the people behind the cameras, and uh, I like it, man. I hope they keep bringing me back, yeah.”

The Louisiana native has already participated as a desk analyst for UFC 287, 303, 308, and 314. At UFC 287, he debuted as a desk analyst and was a part of the commentary team along with UFC veteran turned MMA coach Din Thomas. So maybe he will come back for more desk analyst stints after his retirement. Are you excited to see Poirier clash against Holloway for the third and last time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.