Apr 13, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT) Max Holloway (red gloves) fights Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) during UFC 236 at State Farm Arena. Poirier won by unanimous decision. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

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Daniel Cormier Feels Dustin Poirier’s Fight In His Hometown Is Not ‘The Best’ Idea

Dustin Poirier's hometown fight at UFC 318 in New Orleans against Max Holloway gets criticized by Daniel Cormier!

Fighting at home can be a double-edged sword. Fighters often dream of competing in front of their local fans. The roar of familiar voices creates an electric atmosphere that fuels performance. But that same energy can add enormous pressure. Dustin Poirier may soon find out exactly how that balance tips when he steps into the octagon in his hometown.

The UFC has announced Poirier will face Max Holloway in a trilogy bout at UFC 318. This fight holds special significance as Poirier has revealed it could be his last dance. After falling short against Islam Makhachev in his lightweight title bid last year, “The Diamond” has been contemplating retirement. Now he gets to potentially close his storied career against a familiar foe. Poirier held wins in both previous matchups. The stakes couldn’t be higher as they prepare to meet in New Orleans, Poirier’s backyard.

Also Read: Cinco de Mayo Weekend Boxing Fest 2025: Is This the Greatest Boxing Card of the Year?

Daniel Cormier’s Concerns About Hometown Pressure

Daniel Cormier recently raised eyebrows on his YouTube channel with his take on Poirier’s hometown fight. The former two-division champion and current UFC commentator expressed worry about the added pressure.

“Everybody wants fight in their hometown. But, it is not always the best. Think about it, the guys that have fought in their hometown, how is it gone? We saw it last week with Anthony Smith…So much comes with fighting at home. More people that want to be around you… Those are things that haven’t always worked.”

Cormier speaks from experience. The fight week becomes about everything except fighting. He worries Poirier might face similar distractions during what should be a laser-focused fight week. Poirier will need to manage ticket requests, family obligations, and hometown media attention while preparing for a dangerous opponent in Holloway.

The mental toll extends beyond just fight week logistics. Losing at home carries extra emotional weight. For a prideful fighter like Poirier, potentially ending his career with a loss in Lafayette could be devastating. Cormier believes this added pressure might affect Poirier’s performance, especially against someone as skilled as Holloway.

Is Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 The Perfect Farewell Fight?

The matchup itself makes perfect sense for Poirier’s potential farewell. Their first meeting in 2012 saw Poirier submit a young Holloway in the first round. Seven years later, they met again in an instant classic for the interim lightweight title. Poirier won a unanimous decision in a fight that showcased both men’s heart and skill. Now, with Holloway holding the BMF belt after his spectacular knockout of Justin Gaethje, their trilogy feels like perfect timing.

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨

Per Sources Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier for the BMF Title will take place at #UFC318 July 19th in New Orleans Louisiana pic.twitter.com/5YIuXWGxUO
— Kevin (@realkevink) April 11, 2025

After losing three times to Alexander Volkanovski at featherweight and recently against Ilia Topuria, ‘Blessed’ has found new life at 155 pounds. Poirier faces no easy task in his potential retirement fight, hometown advantage or not. The New Orleans crowd will surely create an unforgettable atmosphere for what could be Poirier’s final walkout. The Louisiana native has become one of the UFC’s most beloved fighters through his exciting style and charitable work. His Good Fight Foundation has helped countless people in his community. Win or lose, Poirier’s hometown fans will celebrate his career achievements!

(Image Credit: John David Mercer – Imagn Images)

Daniel Cormier

Dustin Poirier

Max Holloway

UFC 318

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!