‘Trying To Keep My Mind Busy’

Dustin Poirier is one of the most respected UFC fighters of all time and he’s not denying that he misses fighting in the octagon.

The 36-year-old is only three months removed from his final fight, a memorable encounter against rival Max Holloway for the BMF Title. The bout marked the third time he fought Holloway and it took place in his home state of Louisiana.

While Poirier has kept busy following the fight by appearing on screen as a UFC analyst on ESPN, he admits he misses fighting as it was a part of his life for the past 20 years. Poirier made his debut in the UFC in 2011.

“Trying to keep my mind busy,” says Poirier in a one-on-one interview of what life is like after retirement. “It’s been a little tough on me, fighting for 20 years and just one day saying it’s over. Every day is different.

“The days are long, but just trying to keep busy, man,” Poirier continues. “Really trying to keep my mind off of thinking about training, off of thinking about how good my body feels, thinking about whether I can still beat these guys. All the stuff that comes along with walking away from something you love.”

Poirier has teased the idea of staying active, such as a potential boxing fight with Nate Diaz, who he was originally scheduled to face in the octagon back in 2018. However, the bout was cancelled due to an injury suffered by Poirier.

However, he says there’s been no traction on talks regarding that boxing fight.

When asked if he’s officially retired and if there’s a chance he’ll return, Poirier says “never say never,” but then concludes his thoughts by saying he’s “done.” He says the priority moving forward is his family, which includes his wife, his nine-year-old daughter and a baby that’s on the way.

Regarding his broadcasting career, he’s unsure of what the future holds, but he hopes to continue it with UFC’s new deal with Paramount. Paramount will be the new home of UFC starting in 2026.

Poirier has worked as a full-time desk analyst for ESPN since his retirement in July. He says he’s very comfortable in an on-screen role and says it keeps him close to the octagon and helps in the bridge to retirement.

“I’ve worked five or six pay per view shows now for them,” says Poirier of his work with ESPN. “So a little murky waters with the whole transition from ESPN to Paramount and how that’s going to be done, who’s going to be creating all the content and all that stuff. I don’t know if that’s another ladder I need to climb with the people put in the positions for this new streaming platform. But I’m trying to be vocal about it, let it be known that I want to be on the desk any chance I get. I want to be connected to the sport.”

Dustin Poirier Teams Up With UFC Octagon Announcer Bruce Buffer For Bud Light Commercial

While Poirier is obviously concentrated in his transition in post-retirement life from the octagon, one of the things that is keeping him busy is his partnership with Bud Light. The former interim UFC Lightweight Champion originally partnered with Bud Light last year and has already appeared in a commercial with the well-known beer brand.

He’s now appearing in a new commercial with UFC octagon announcer Bruce Buffer, who is also now partnered with Bud Light.

The new campaign sees them taking calls while filling in for a fan’s shift in a call center in exchange for a case of Bud Light. It’s a twist on things because they’ll actually be taking calls from fans to give them a chance for front-row seats at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden on November 15.

“Me and Bruce shot this fun commercial to do with the Bud Light team call center,” Poirier details. “It’s going to be an actual contest where fans can call in and dial 1-800 Bud Light for a chance to win tickets to UFC Madison Square Garden to watch JDM (Jack Della Maddalena) and Islam Makhachev fight for the Welterweight title. I’m going to be there. Super excited about that, but it was just a fun commercial shoot we had, and I’m super excited when it comes out so everybody gets to see it.”

Buffer describes his first commercial experience filming with Bud Light. Bud Light became the official beer partner of UFC in 2024.

“A lot of fun,” says Buffer of filming the commercial. “First off, you’re dealing with an incredible production crew. Bud Light does a great job with their commercials. I’ve always gotten a kick out of them, and to be a part of it and to add my own flavor to it and for them to tell me that they were very excited after everything was done, how everything turned out, was very fulfilling for me. To work with them, work with Dustin and the creative that was involved, I think everybody’s going to be very entertained. These call center commercials are very, very funny.”