UFC legend Dustin Poirier: "I'm a big fan of Topuria, I agree he has the best boxing."

After more than fifteen years of career, Dustin Poirier is hanging up his gloves. It's often said that the hardest part isn't getting into the sport, but getting out, even more so when you're a superstar who makes millions every time you step into the Octagon. But the Louisiana native is clear: it's a matter of priorities: family comes first. Poirier will bid farewell in style, fighting at home (New Orleans, just a few miles from Lafayette, his hometown) and with the chance to win the BMF title against Max Holloway, whom he has beaten twice before. The American spoke exclusively with ABC MMA during Fight Week to discuss what his retirement means, the legacy he leaves behind, and the figure of Ilia Topuria, whom he will no longer be able to cross paths with.

-The time has come. After 14 years in the world's largest mixed martial arts league, it's your last dance in the UFC. How are you approaching this final Fight Week of your career?

I'm excited. It feels a little different being here at home since it's my last fight. But I'm very well prepared and I can't wait for the fight to start.

Let's talk about the fight. What do you expect from the fight against another legend like Max Holloway?

-I expect a war. I think it'll be a very tough fight for both of us. An exciting fight for the fans. It's going to be a battle, just like last time.

-Considering that you've already beaten Max Holloway twice, what kind of adjustments have you been able to make for this trilogy with the Hawaiian?

-I did what I do in every training camp, basically. We focused a little more on kickboxing, but the most important thing was to arrive in the best shape possible, because Max is known for his cardio, his endurance, his rhythm, his volume, so we tried to prepare ourselves in the best way possible to answer fire with fire and be sharp enough to push for 25 minutes.

Holloway spoke about this fight in terms of legacy. What does this farewell fight mean for your legacy?

-He's the former [UFC] world champion, current BMF champion. There's a lot at stake here. To have two wins over this guy is already huge, to have three wins over one of the best ever to step foot in the UFC octagon, a future Hall of Famer, a multi-time former champion... It's the guy a lot of people are asking about, it's a huge fight for me.

You've had a very successful career, having been interim champion and challenger for the undisputed title several times. How would you like to be remembered within the sport?

I want to be remembered as that guy who, when he entered the Octagon, you knew it was going to be a battle, a war you couldn't miss. I don't want to be remembered as someone who went in there to win a fight by decision, with jabs and circles. I went in there, gave it my all, put myself in danger to get finishes, and always left it all in. I just want to be remembered as a dream chaser.

-Maybe I'm waiting for your answer, but I have to ask the question. Let's imagine a scenario where you win in spectacular fashion and the UFC calls you to tell you they're giving you one more title fight. Would you take it?

-I think I'm done, I'm done. After this, it's over.

I want to ask you about a name that's been stealing the show lately, Ilia Topuria. How would you imagine a fight against him?

-A high-level striking match, for sure.

-How do you consider Ilia Topuria as a fighter?

I'm a huge fan of his. What he's done is incredible, and he's still quite young. I think he's going to keep growing and doing what he's doing. So he definitely has a fan in me.

-You've always had one of the best boxing games in the UFC. Currently, many believe Topuria has the best boxing in the sport. What do you think?

-It's hard to disagree. It's definitely good, it's up there.

-One of the fights the UFC has yet to finalize is the matchup between Topuria and Islam Makhachev. What do you think will happen in this fight?

It's hard to say. I think size makes a difference. Islam is huge for 155 pounds (lightweight), and I think he'll adapt very well to 170 pounds (welterweight). I've never seen Ilia in person, so I'm not sure how big he really is. But with a guy like Islam, if he gets a takedown, I think Ilia will have trouble getting back to his feet. We can all have our opinions and judge what we think would happen, but it would definitely be an incredible fight. I just think Islam would be too big for Ilia, but Ilia could also land that finishing shot; he could knock anyone out.

-Going back to your career, is there any opponent you've never faced that you wish you had?

-Yeah, Nate Diaz, who fell a couple of times and never made it. That's the fight that got away.

-One of the strongest rivalries ever in sports was yours against Conor McGregor. How do you remember it now?

-I kicked his ass twice.

-Once your competitive career is over, do you plan to continue coaching?

-No, it's not a passion of mine. I'd love to help some kids from time to time, help them prepare for their fights, but I'm not going to be a coach or run a gym.

-What do you think is the greatest legacy you leave to mixed martial arts?

-Being a guy who always came to fight, a guy who dusted himself off every time he came up short. A hard worker, someone who was dedicated to his craft—that's what I've been.