Dustin Poirier Teases Final UFC Fight at Lafayette CAJUNDOME: But Could It Really Happen?

Over the weekend, UFC legend and Lafayette’s own Dustin Poirier ignited excitement among local fans by hinting at a potential UFC event at the CAJUNDOME. This wouldn’t just be any fight—it could mark Poirier’s final bout, allowing him to retire in his beloved hometown.

It all started with a tweet from @dobronxlover on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that Poirier and Justin Gaethje face off for a third and final time in New Orleans.

The suggestion was met with enthusiasm, but a reply from @kbkellner, a member of Poirier’s team, shifted the conversation to the CAJUNDOME. Poirier quickly echoed this sentiment, leading to a flurry of activity on social media.

As the idea gained traction online, I reached out to Poirier for confirmation. He revealed that not only would he fight again if the UFC could bring an event to the CAJUNDOME, but he would also make it his retirement bout, allowing him to say farewell to the sport in front of his hometown crowd.

While the idea might seem ambitious, it’s far from impossible. I spoke with Casey White of the CAJUNDOME, who expressed enthusiasm about the prospect. White confirmed that the venue is more than capable of hosting a UFC event, with the ability to expand seating to accommodate approximately 13,000 fans. The adjacent CAJUNDOME Convention Center could handle additional UFC events, such as weigh-ins and fan meet-and-greets.

“The economic impact would be immeasurable,” White said, citing the combination of Poirier’s local hero status and the global appeal of the UFC.

Ben Berthelot, President and CEO of Lafayette Travel, echoed White’s optimism, pointing to the CAJUNDOME’s track record of hosting prestigious events.

“We’ve proven ourselves with events like the USA Boxing National Championships and Olympic Trials, and a UFC event headlined by Poirier would be an incredible opportunity for Lafayette,” Berthelot said.

Although it’s rare for UFC fighters to compete in their hometowns, with only a handful of such events in the promotion’s history, the excitement surrounding the possibility continues to grow. Thousands of fans have shared, commented on, and liked the idea across social media platforms.

While it remains to be seen whether the UFC will bring an event to Lafayette, one thing is certain: Dustin Poirier’s legacy is already secure. Whether he fights again or not, he will forever be Lafayette’s champion.

Far-fetched? Sure. Impossible? Not even close.