Dustin Poirier shook the world as he announced his retirement at the UFC 302 post-fight interview. The 35-year-old mixed martial artist hung his gloves and dedicated the bout to his family. However, he might not be done for good. Recently, retired UFC veteran Chael Sonnen speculated that Poirier might return to the UFC to fight in the welterweight division.

‘The Diamond’ seemingly had his final shot at the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev. Unfortunately, he was unable to snatch the championship belt and was stopped in the final round with a D’arce choke. Poirier then declared that UFC 302 might be his very last fight. But is he really done? Not according to Sonnen!

UFC veteran claims Dustin Poirier will return

After ‘The Diamond’ extracted tears from the fight fans with his seeming retirement, Sonnen provided the world with a ray of hope. The former fighter took to his YouTube channel and revealed his thoughts. Without a doubt, he praised Makhachev and Poirier for one of the most entertaining fights and for making sure the title fight had the fans glued to their seats. He commended the Lafayette resident for the amazing performance. But talking about his retirement plans, ‘The American Gangster’ was simply not convinced. 

Sonnen speculated that the former interim lightweight champion was just taking an exit from the lightweight division. He seemed to believe that the Cajun mixed martial artist would return to fight in the welterweight division. But rest assured, Sonnen even named a probable opponent for ‘The Diamond’. Sonnen handed the UFC CEO, Dana White, a matchup between Poirier and Colby Covington. 

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‘The Bad Guy’ said, “No, Dustin is not done. But he is saying goodbye and he is done with 155 pounds. I’m bringing you that piece of news because Dustin is very unlikely to call somebody out. But that somebody is out there. He is at 170 pounds. His name is Colby Covington. That’s the fight, that’s the one that’s waiting. That’s a mega and massive event. And there’ll be others that fit that bill. But Dustin who is not comfortable at calling for those fights might need somebody else to suggest it. But no! He’s not done with fighting. He’s just done with the lightweight division.”

Sonnen’s words didn’t fail to send some hope to the fans supporting Poirier. Although ‘The Diamond’ announced his retirement, he wasn’t completely sure of it. When would he take up the fight against ‘Chaos’ is something that only time can tell. But the fighting community knows that the fighter had been hinting at retirement for a while now.

Is ‘The Diamond’ serious about his retirement?

To answer the above question, Poirier claimed that he was still unsure of it. Talking to Joe Rogan in the interview right after his fight with Makhachev, he wondered why would he fight another bout. He claimed that didn’t know, pointing at his family. “I think this could be it, honestly, Joe.”

But when Rogan congratulated Poirier for all the fights he had entertained the fighting realm with, ‘The Diamond’ said,  “And I’m not a 100%, but if this is my last fight, I wanted to dedicate this journey to the people who made me the man I am, and that’s the women in my life.” This is indeed some proof that Sonnen might not be wrong. It’s just a matter of time until the reality of Poirier’s retirement comes out. But if he does, he probably has a fight ready.

What do you think of Sonnen’s words? Do you agree that Poirier will return to fight in the welterweight division? Let us know in the comments down below.