Dustin Poirier has been in pursuit of UFC gold for years, but may struggle to climb to the mountaintop again.

The legendary lightweight has held the interim belt in the past, but has fallen at the undisputed final hurdle on both occasions. He’s eager to prove that third time’s a charm at UFC 302 when he faces the seemingly unbeatable Islam Makhachev, who hasn’t tasted defeat since a freak knockout in 2015.

Poirier is a big underdog heading to Newark’s Prudential Center, but is riding high after a stunning knockout win over the surging Benoit St-Denis at UFC 299. And he truly feels it is last chance saloon for him next month, whether he wins or loses.

Dustin Poirier teases UFC retirement after Islam Makhachev fight… Win or lose

Speaking with CBS Sports, Poirier detailed how despite his ability to climb the mountain once again, he fears he may not be willing to do it again. He already overcame high profile defeats in order to return to the world title picture multiple times, including a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje less than a year ago.

“I’m capable of anything,” he explained. “I can climb back to this spot and fight again for the world title. I can do anything. I can grind back to it. I know I can. It’s just that I don’t have it in me, and I’m not going to do it again.

“I’m not going to climb the ladder again. I’ve been doing this a long time. It’s a very selfish sport. I’m ready to be a father and be a husband and be home and be into a routine. I wouldn’t say I can’t do it again. I can do it again. It’s just – this is it for me.”

And while he wouldn’t commit to announcing this is his retirement fight, Poirier did add: “I’m not sure, man. This could be the last one… I’m still on the fence, win or lose. I just want to be content with my career.

“It’s a thing where I have to digest it and be OK with it because that’s how life goes. Of course, I’m looking at the brighter side and trying to be positive that I’m going to finish the story and seal the deal and become undisputed lightweight champ after my 31st fight in the UFC. What a story that would be.”

Islam Makhachev planning next moves after Dustin Poirier fight including double champ fight

Makhachev, on the other hand, is just getting started. After watching his close friend and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov being forced to retire early at the top of his game, he is keen to cement his legacy with big fight after big fight.

He has already entertained the notion of a super-fight with Conor McGregor, but is also keen on going one further than Nurmagomedov ever did by moving up in weight in order to pursue ‘double champion’ status.

Makhachev has already sparred current champion Leon Edwards in their younger days. And he feels that it would be a fair matchup after both improved their skills over the following years.

Speaking with the New York Post, he said of the lightweight title picture: “Honestly, I don’t have like, any exciting fight. Dustin has one fight win streak, and we have Arman. I’ve already beaten this guy. I don’t have some job in my division my opinion honestly.

“They have to give me a chance for a second belt. I have already beaten all these guys… I did all the jobs in my division. In my division in the rankings, in the top five they’ve already beaten each other. That’s why I need some new challengers, some new opponents, a new belt.

“I think I have to finish this guy, and one more fight. I think Arman is going to be next, and that’s it. I need my second belt. We will see. Maybe we’ll take two belts and defend.”