Dustin Poirier only taking ‘big names or title fights’ in UFC twilight years – ‘I want it to mean something’

Dustin Poirier knows he’s on the “back nine” of his career and he’s pretty clear about what he wants in his twilight years in the sport.

It’s going to be title fights or big names only for “The Diamond” from here on out.

The former interim lightweight champ (26-6, one no contest) returned from hip surgery and a nine-month lay-off to edge Dan Hooker (20-9) in a five-round war that became an instant classic last month.

“I don’t know, I’m not sure what the options will be when the UFC comes back and starts sitting at the table to set up these matchups,” Poirier told CBS Sports Radio’s Jim Rome Show. “It needs to be a real big name or a title fight.

The 31-year-old Poirier’s come-from-behind victory, having lost the first two rounds to New Zealand’s “Hangman”, reminded the division that he’s sticking around at the top, and any pretenders to the throne will have to go through him.

“I’ve been doing this for 10 years in the UFC. I still love fighting but I want these fights to mean more than just a fight,” said the American. “I don’t want it to just be about a show and a win purse. I want it to really mean something.

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“I know I’m on the back nine of my career. I’ve been fighting for a while, I have 40 fights. I want these last four or five years to really mean something every time I get into the Octagon.

“Not just for me and my family, but for the goals I’m trying to raise awareness for, and for my career. I really want to leave a legacy.”

Poirier’s charitable contributions with his Good Fight Foundation were recognised by the UFC ahead of the Hooker fight when he was named the recipient of the inaugural Forrest Griffin Community Award.