Henry Cejudo: If Dustin Poirier dethrones Charles Oliveira at UFC 269, he will retire

Henry Cejudo thinks Dustin Poirier hangs up his gloves if he captures the undisputed lightweight title at UFC 269.

Poirier (28-6 MMA, 20-5 UFC) challenges reigning champ Charles Oliveira (31-8 MMA, 19-8 UFC) in Saturday’s main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “The Diamond’s” legacy is undeniable, but the only thing eluding him is an undisputed title, and he will get a second crack at it after failing to unify an interim belt against Khabib Nurmagomedov in September 2019.

Meanwhile, Cejudo retired on top when he conquered his quest of becoming UFC dual-champ in May 2020, and he sees Poirier doing the same if he can reach his ultimate goal and get the belt wrapped around his waist.

“I do believe that Poirier wins,” Cejudo said on “The Triple C & Schmo Show.” You heard it here first, I do believe he will retire. Because when a fighter starts thinking about retirement, it’s true, you should retire, and I feel Dustin Poirier wins. I think he wants to leave on top.”

Poirier has been in his fair share of chaotic wars, including outlasting current No. 1 contender Justin Gaethje by finishing him in Round 4 in their 2018 battle. Like Cejudo, Gaethje doesn’t think Poirier will want to go through that experience again, despite Poirier having prevailed in numerous wars throughout his career.

Poirier’s “I don’t like fighting anymore; I’m not in love with it anymore” comment made after his UFC 257 win over Conor McGregor had many speculating his future in the sport, and despite the 32-year-old putting retirement rumors to rest in the lead-up to Saturday, Cejudo thinks it’s definitely on his mind.

“I don’t think he wants to fight Justin Gaethje,” Cejudo said. “I really don’t. I don’t think so. No, I was there at that (first Poirier vs. Gaethje) fight in Phoenix. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t retire. But when somebody thinks about retirement, you might as well do it, and I think Dustin Poirier, if he wins, he will retire. You heard it here first from king ‘Triple C.’”