Paddy Pimblett Questions Poirier's Retirement: Should The Fight Happen?

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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The Case for a Pimblett vs. Poirier Fight

The idea of a Paddy Pimblett vs. Dustin Poirier fight is undeniably enticing, fueled by several compelling factors.

Stylistic Matchup

A Pimblett Poirier fight promises a fascinating stylistic clash. Pimblett, known for his aggressive pressure fighting and relentless forward momentum, would be a stark contrast to Poirier's calculated striking and well-rounded grappling game.

• High-octane action: The contrasting styles guarantee an exciting and unpredictable fight, likely filled with dramatic moments.
• Potential for upsets: Both fighters possess the power to end the fight at any moment, making the outcome truly uncertain.
• Fight of the Night potential: The sheer intensity and potential for a thrilling back-and-forth battle almost guarantees a "Fight of the Night" bonus.

This Pimblett Poirier UFC lightweight clash is a recipe for a memorable event.

Box Office Potential

Beyond the in-cage excitement, a Pimblett vs. Poirier fight boasts significant box office potential. Both fighters command massive fanbases, translating to potentially huge pay-per-view (PPV) buys.

• Massive fanbases: "The Baddy" and "The Diamond" are two of the UFC's most popular fighters, attracting a vast audience.
• PPV Revenue: The anticipation alone surrounding a Pimblett Poirier PPV event could break records.
• Sponsorship deals: The high viewership guarantees lucrative sponsorship deals for both fighters and the UFC.

The financial implications of this fight are undeniable, making it a highly attractive proposition for the UFC.

Impact on the Lightweight Division

A Pimblett vs. Poirier fight wouldn't just be a spectacle; it would have a significant impact on the UFC lightweight rankings.

• Rankings shakeup: The winner would almost certainly catapult up the rankings, potentially setting up a title shot.
• Elevating the next generation: The fight's hype would elevate the entire lightweight division, drawing attention to other rising contenders.
• Title contender implications: A victory for Pimblett, in particular, could fast-track his rise to a title contender.

This fight could completely reshuffle the cards in the competitive UFC lightweight division.

Arguments Against a Pimblett vs. Poirier Fight

While the allure of a Pimblett vs. Poirier fight is undeniable, several factors argue against it.

Poirier's Retirement

Respecting Poirier's decision to retire is paramount. His retirement announcement should be honored, regardless of the tempting offers.

• Respecting the decision: A fighter's choice to retire should be respected. It's a personal decision based on various factors.
• Health concerns: Retirement is often chosen to protect a fighter's long-term health and well-being. Pressuring him to return could compromise that.
• Legacy considerations: Poirier has earned the right to retire on his own terms and protect his legacy.

Forcing a retired fighter back into the octagon is disrespectful and potentially harmful.

Pimblett's Current Ranking

Currently, Pimblett's ranking is considerably lower than Poirier's. Whether he deserves a fight against a former title contender is a debatable point.

• Earning a title shot: Pimblett needs to climb the rankings through consistent wins before deserving a fight against an elite fighter like Poirier.
• Merit-based advancement: The UFC ranking system prioritizes earned victories and consistent performance.
• Avoiding potential upsets: A loss against a fighter of Poirier's caliber could derail Pimblett's career trajectory.

Jumping the queue based solely on popularity isn't conducive to the integrity of the UFC's ranking system.

Potential Risks for Both Fighters

Finally, the inherent risks involved in any UFC fight, particularly a high-profile matchup like this, must be considered.

• Injury risk: The potential for severe injury is significant in MMA, impacting both fighters' careers.
• Career impact: A loss for either fighter could have far-reaching consequences on their standing within the UFC.
• Unnecessary risk: The reward may not outweigh the potential risks for both fighters, especially considering Poirier's retirement.

The potential for career-altering injuries is a serious consideration against the fight.

Conclusion

The potential for a Paddy Pimblett vs. Dustin Poirier fight is undeniably exciting, offering a captivating stylistic clash and significant box office potential. However, Poirier's retirement, Pimblett's current ranking, and the considerable risk to both fighters’ careers present compelling arguments against it. Ultimately, the decision rests with the UFC and the fighters themselves. What do YOU think? Should the UFC make this dream fight a reality? Let us know your thoughts on the potential Paddy Pimblett vs. Dustin Poirier fight in the comments below! Let's discuss the Pimblett Poirier fight debate!