Dustin Poirier is considering changing his traditional walk-out music for his upcoming retirement bout at UFC 318 against Max Holloway.
Having entered the Octagon over 30 times since his 2011 debut, the former interim lightweight champion is set for his final walk at UFC 318 on July 19th. This event brings his long-standing rivalry with BMF Champion Max Holloway full circle in a trilogy fight.
Poirier currently holds a 2-0 record against Holloway. He defeated Holloway in his UFC debut at featherweight in 2013, then secured a five-round decision win in their rematch at lightweight at UFC 236 in 2019, earning the interim title.
It`s notable that Poirier was Max Holloway`s first opponent in the UFC, and now Holloway will be the last opponent Poirier faces in his career within the promotion.
Fighting in his home state of Louisiana, specifically in New Orleans, makes this a highly significant and emotional event for Poirier, deserving a memorable send-off.
Poirier Discusses Potential Walk-Out with Lil Wayne for Retirement Bout
Following his challenging title fight against champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last summer, there was speculation about Poirier`s retirement.
While he didn`t capture the belt in New Jersey, Poirier received immense support and walked out to a fan-favorite mashup: the late Willie Spence`s cover of Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’ combined with James Brown’s ‘The Boss’, a song he has used for many years and is closely associated with his career.
Although he thought about using the same mashup for his final fight, Poirier recently suggested an alternative: walking out to a different song entirely, potentially accompanied by the famous rapper Lil Wayne.
“My first fight in the UFC, when I fought Josh Grispi, I walked out to Lil Wayne,” Poirier mentioned during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show.
He added, “If Lil Wayne was to walk me out in New Orleans, I’ll walk out to Lil Wayne in my last fight,” clarifying this would be a “Switch-up” from his usual James Brown theme.
The Specific Lil Wayne Song Poirier Would Use
Having used James Brown’s ‘The Boss’ for numerous fights, Poirier is ready to revert to his roots for his final walkout if he can be joined by fellow New Orleans native Lil Wayne, highlighting the rapper`s fame and local connection.
Poirier mentioned that he hasn`t yet contacted Lil Wayne about this possibility for UFC 318, despite having appeared on Wayne`s podcast previously.
If the opportunity arises and Wayne agrees, Poirier already has a specific song in mind for the BMF title bout.
“I walked out in my debut against Josh Grispi [to] ‘Drop The World,`” Poirier revealed.
“So, if he does ‘Drop The World,’ I’ll come out to him in my last fight.”
He concluded with a direct appeal: “If he sees this, hit me up Wayne.”
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