A legendary sendoff: A look at ESPN’s studio content for Dustin Poirier’s retirement bout

A legend’s retirement bout in front of his home crowd with a trilogy showdown against an MMA icon for the BMF Title.

That unbeatable storyline culminates Saturday night in the can’t-miss UFC 318 main event (main card: 10 p.m. ET | ESPN+ PPV) when Dustin Poirier faces off with Max Holloway, as Poirier makes his final walk to the Octagon.

Showcasing this epic moment in a meaningful way with proper context for fans is no easy task. Jake Lebowitz, ESPN Producer, takes us inside the extensive planning, teamwork and vision involved in ESPN’s studio show content this weekend.

ESPN’s content strategy for UFC 318:

I can comfortably say what our ESPN UFC team produced for Poirier’s retirement fight is some of the best we’ve done. I am truly proud of all that’s been done to help make UFC 318 a truly special event.

Our goal was to bring to life the aspects of Poirier that made him the fan favorite he is today. Every piece showcases his career arc, the legacy he created and why he will be sorely missed.

What fans should take away:

The goal is to showcase all that Poirier brought to this sport.

We want fans to have full comprehension of why he is a future hall of famer, and why Louisiana appreciates how Poirier represented the state he loves so much. It’s rare to get to say goodbye to one of the more beloved fighters on their own terms — Poirier having that chance in his own backyard is truly special.

Across our shows, commentators will express their gratitude for Poirier. And a fighter having the respect of their peers — that’s all they can ask for.

Favorite Poirier moment:

Most people will say winning the interim lightweight title against Holloway, or his knockout of Conor McGregor, but I have to go with his knockout out of Benoit Saint Denis in March 2024.

Many believed it was going to be his final fight and Saint Denis was on the fast track to being a top contender and likely next in fighting for the title. But like most of his career, Poirier defied the odds and knocked Saint Denis out cold, adding to his already cemented legacy and earning himself one last shot at UFC gold.

Moments like that will be showcased through the lens of when that Octagon door closes, you simply cannot count him out.