Dustin Poirier is considering retirement after his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, where he narrowly missed out on winning the lightweight championship.

As he recovers from serious injuries, Poirier is uncertain about his future in MMA but acknowledges his continued passion and skill in the sport.

Dustin Poirier’s Journey After UFC 302 Loss

Dustin Poirier faced a tough defeat at UFC 302 against Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship.

Following the loss, Poirier revealed that he had been considering retirement. Had he won the championship in Newark, he planned to retire immediately.

“I was going to put the belt down with the gloves,” Poirier said on “The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani.

“But this is my story, and it happened the way it was supposed to happen for my journey. It’s been written already.”

Before UFC 302, Poirier had hinted at retiring if he defeated Makhachev. However, he was submitted in the fifth round by Makhachev with a d’arce choke and now faces a period of recovery from damaged ribs, a broken nose, and a partially torn ACL.

Poirier is Yet to Make His Final Decision

While Poirier has not made a final decision about his future, UFC 302 might have been his last fight.

“I’m leaning towards being done,” Poirier shared with Helwani.

“Especially getting the title fight. How many more times would I need to fight to get myself back into position to fight for the world title? I don’t know. But like I said, I’m not going to do it again. I’m not going to fight five more times trying to earn another title shot.”

Poirier is in a difficult position, unsure of his next steps and taking things day by day. He acknowledged the challenges of returning to the top and the physical toll fighting has taken on him.

Dustin Poirier on His UFC Future

Though Poirier is not entirely set on retirement, he is leaning toward it.

At 35, he is far from another title shot anytime soon. He expressed uncertainty about the reasons to continue fighting, given the physical and mental toll it has taken on him.

“I can’t say I’ll never fight again, but I just don’t know the reason,” Poirier said.

“What am I going to fight for? To get into a battle? I love that, but I’ve taken some lumps over the years. It has to be for something.”

Despite the loss, Poirier proved he is still one of the best lightweights in the world, giving Makhachev a tough UFC fight for nearly five rounds.

This performance makes it difficult for him to commit to retirement, knowing how capable he still is.

Poirier’s Experience with New UFC Gloves

At UFC 302, the new gloves design was introduced to reduce eye pokes and improve hand safety.

Poirier praised the new design, mentioning that they helped keep his fist closed better than the previous gloves.

“I like them, I like them. My hands kind of got a little banged up,” Poirier said.

“They’re thinner, my hand is still healing. But I like them because I can make a closed fist very tight. The other gloves were very tough to make a closed fist.”

However, he said that the new gloves resulted in more bruising. Poirier pointed out that his knuckles were more severely bruised despite landing fewer strikes against Makhachev than in his fight with Max Holloway in 2019.

“In the Max fight, there was a lot of volume thrown, so my knuckles were raw but not this deep a cut on my knuckle,” Poirier explained.

“It’s different [the gold color], I don’t mind it. I see people talking trash. To each their own. I like it, thought it was cool.”

What’s Next for Dustin Poirier?

Dustin Poirier is at a crossroads after his tough fight at UFC 302. While he thinks about retiring, he’s still not sure if he’s ready to stop fighting.

He knows he is still a top fighter, but the path to another title shot is long and hard. Poirier will take some time to heal and decide what’s best for his future. Whether he fights again or retires, his fans will support him and respect his journey.

In the meantime, Poirier continues to reflect on his career and the impact he has made in the UFC.

His love for the sport and his competitive spirit will guide his next steps. Everyone is eager to see what he decides and to support him in whatever path he chooses.

The 2024 NHL offseason is shaping up to be thrilling, with several high-profile players potentially on the move. Teams are looking to strengthen their rosters and take advantage of the increased salary cap, leading to exciting trade possibilities.

Anticipating Major Trades at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas

The NHL draft is one of the busiest and most important days of the year for the league. Teams are not only looking to pick young players who could become stars in the future but are also trying to improve their teams right away through trades.

The 2024 NHL Draft, set for June 28-29 in Las Vegas, is expected to be very active. The salary cap is likely to increase from $83.5 million to $87.7 million for the 2024-25 season.

Andrew Mangiapane’s Rising Trade Interest

Andrew Mangiapane of the Calgary Flames is becoming a hot topic in trade discussions.

As he enters the final season of his contract and heads towards unrestricted free agency (UFA) in 2025, the Flames are open to dealing players with expiring contracts, evident from their recent trades involving Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Nikita Zadorov, and Chris Tanev.

Mangiapane had a solid season with 14 goals, 40 points, and a plus-7 rating in 75 games. His standout performance in 2021-22, with 35 goals and 55 points in 82 games, hints at his potential as a significant scoring threat.

Arthur Kaliyev Seeking a Fresh Start

Los Angeles Kings’ Arthur Kaliyev has been at the center of trade rumors, especially after his disappointing season with just seven goals and 15 points in 51 games.

The 22-year-old right winger, who was scratched multiple times and benched during the playoffs, is reportedly seeking a trade.

Kings GM Rob Blake acknowledged Kaliyev’s struggles and the need for a resolution. Kaliyev, with his potential as an effective middle-six forward, will likely attract interest, particularly from teams in a rebuilding phase.

Tanner Jeannot and Tampa Bay’s Cap Crunch

The Tampa Bay Lightning face a challenging situation with their limited cap space and several UFAs, including Steven Stamkos. Tanner Jeannot, who had a rough season with just seven goals and seven assists, emerges as a prime trade candidate to alleviate their cap issues.

Despite his recent struggles, Jeannot’s past success and reputation as a gritty forward make him appealing to teams looking for toughness and scoring depth. His $2.665-million cap hit and 16-team no-trade list, however, add complexity to any potential trade.

Trevor Zegras to the Montreal Canadiens?

Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks, after a challenging third season limited by injuries and contract negotiations, has been linked to trade rumors. The Montreal Canadiens, seeking to bolster their scoring depth, have shown interest.

Zegras, a proven scorer and friend of Canadiens’ Cole Caufield, could thrive under coach Martin St. Louis. The Ducks will demand a significant return, possibly including Montreal’s first-round pick and a young defenseman like David Reinbacher or Logan Mailloux.

Filip Hronek for Martin Nečas

The Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks each face tricky RFA situations. Hurricanes winger Martin Nečas and Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek are both seeking substantial raises. This scenario could lead to an old-fashioned one-for-one hockey trade.

Nečas, desiring top-six minutes, could find a better role in Vancouver, while Hronek could bolster Carolina’s defensive depth. Previous trade discussions involving these players lay the groundwork for a potential deal this summer.

Nikolaj Ehlers for Ryan Pulock

The Winnipeg Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers and New York Islanders’ Ryan Pulock are both prime candidates for a trade. Ehlers, with one year left on his contract and a 10-team no-trade clause, could be traded to bolster Winnipeg’s defense.

Pulock, with a similar cap hit and a full no-trade clause, could pair well with Jets’ Josh Morrissey. However, convincing Pulock to waive his clause and ensuring Ehlers isn’t on the Islanders’ no-trade list are key challenges.

Linus Ullmark for Jakob Chychrun

Boston Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and Ottawa Senators’ Jakob Chychrun are both intriguing trade targets. Ullmark, with a year left on his contract, could be moved to a team like the Senators, who need a reliable starting goaltender.

Chychrun, also nearing free agency, could strengthen the Bruins’ defense. The Senators may need to offer Chychrun and additional picks to land Ullmark, assuming he isn’t on their no-trade list.

Jacob Markström to the New Jersey Devils

Calgary Flames’ Jacob Markström, linked to the New Jersey Devils, could be on the move this summer. Despite remaining with the Flames post-trade deadline, his future is uncertain.

The Devils, seeking to address goaltending issues, are revisiting trade discussions. Markström, with a $6 million cap hit, could command a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a promising young player in return.

Mitch Marner for Juuse Saros

The Nashville Predators’ trade of Ryan McDonagh back to the Tampa Bay Lightning sparked rumors about acquiring Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs. While Predators GM Barry Trotz dismissed these as rumors, the idea remains tantalizing.

For such a deal, Marner would need to agree to move to Nashville. With both players eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer and the Predators having ample cap space, this trade, though unlikely, could be the summer’s blockbuster.

Anticipating Key Moves in the 2024 NHL Offseason

The 2024 NHL offseason is set to be very exciting, with many big-name players potentially being traded. Teams are looking to improve their rosters and take advantage of the increased salary cap.

Andrew Mangiapane, Arthur Kaliyev, Tanner Jeannot, Trevor Zegras, Filip Hronek, Martin Nečas, Nikolaj Ehlers, Ryan Pulock, Linus Ullmark, Jakob Chychrun, Jacob Markström, and Mitch Marner are some of the players to watch.

These trades could significantly change the teams and the league. As the NHL draft approaches, keep an eye on these possible moves.

The Lakers, Knicks, and Jazz are considering a trade involving Julius Randle, Lauri Markkanen, and several other players and draft picks.

This deal aims to strengthen each team’s position by addressing their specific needs and future plans.

Potential Trade Breakdown

This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are exploring significant trades to enhance their competitiveness.

A potential three-team trade with the Utah Jazz could be the key. The trade details are as follows:

• Utah Jazz Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
• Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Julius Randle
• New York Knicks Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Rui Hachimura

Will the Utah Jazz Accept This Deal?

The Jazz have been in a rebuilding phase, and trading Lauri Markkanen could maximize their returns. Markkanen, who has an average of 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds this season, is a significant asset.

However, this trade offers the Jazz multiple picks and expiring contracts, allowing them to focus on future development and open up space for promising players like Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh.

Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 6’6″ point guard, could also thrive in Utah’s rebuilding environment.

Are the Lakers Willing to Bring Back Julius Randle?

The Lakers have been seeking a third star, and Julius Randle could fit this role.

Adding Randle to a roster with LeBron James and Anthony Davis might require strategic adjustments, such as moving James back to the point guard position.

Randle’s $28.9 million contract could be a challenge for the Lakers’ salary cap, but the trade would upgrade their roster by replacing Rui Hachimura, who averaged 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, with a more consistent and high-performing player.

Though financially demanding, this move could help the Lakers maintain their competitiveness.

Is the Cost Justified for the Knicks?

This trade is an opportunity for the Knicks to upgrade their roster by acquiring Lauri Markkanen and Rui Hachimura.

Markkanen’s offensive skills and versatility would complement Jalen Brunson, allowing for a more dynamic offense.

Hachimura adds valuable depth across multiple positions. The loss of Julius Randle, despite his significant contributions, might be mitigated by the improved team dynamics and the retention of key players like Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart.

Evaluating the Trade: Lakers, Knicks, and Jazz

This three-team trade sends ripples across the NBA, offering a mixed bag of benefits and challenges for the involved teams. Here’s a closer look at how each team fares:

Overall Grade: B

This three-team trade involves significant changes for each team, with benefits and potential drawbacks balanced across the board.

Utah Jazz: C+

The Jazz could potentially seek a better offer for Markkanen, but the proposed trade aligns with their rebuilding strategy. The return includes draft picks and young talent, which is valuable for their long-term plans.

The Jazz might benefit from negotiating for an additional first-round pick to feel more confident about the deal.

Los Angeles Lakers: B

The Lakers would benefit from acquiring Randle, who offers an upgrade over Hachimura.

However, the financial implications are significant, and the team must adjust their strategy to integrate Randle effectively. Preserving first-round picks is a positive aspect, allowing for future flexibility.

New York Knicks: A

The Knicks stand to gain the most from this trade, acquiring two valuable players without giving up too much.

Markkanen’s fit with the team and Hachimura’s versatility address key needs, making this a favorable deal.

Knicks’ Strategy to Trade Randle for Emerging Talent

The Knicks face decisions on several player contracts, including Julius Randle’s potential extension.

While mock trades suggest various scenarios, the proposed trade with the Lakers and Jazz is one of the more plausible options.

The Knicks aim to add complementary star players like Markkanen to build around Jalen Brunson, and this trade aligns with that strategy. In summary, this proposed trade between the Lakers, Knicks, and Jazz offers significant changes for each team.

The Jazz aim to rebuild, while the Lakers and Knicks seek to enhance their competitiveness.

Each team must carefully consider the trade’s implications, but the overall potential benefits suggest it could be a smart move for all involved.

Ava Jones, forward for Iowa women’s basketball, retires due to injuries from a 2022 accident. She will remain on scholarship, continuing her education. Coach Jan Jensen and the team fully support her decision.

Ava Jones Announces Retirement Amid Injuries

Ava Jones, a talented forward for the Iowa women’s basketball team, has announced her retirement from college basketball due to severe injuries sustained in a 2022 accident.

Despite this setback, she will continue her education at Iowa, supported by her coaches and teammates.

Accident That Changed Everything

In July 2022, Ava Jones and her family were struck by an impaired driver while walking on a sidewalk in Louisville, Kentucky.

The accident occurred just days after Jones committed to Iowa, following her decommitment from Arizona State.

Tragically, her father, Trey Jones, was killed, while Ava and her mother, Amy, sustained serious injuries.

Ava suffered a traumatic injury, torn ligaments in both knees, and a shoulder injury. Amy Jones endured a brain injury and 21 broken bones.

Ava Jones’ Decision to Retire Amid Recovery Efforts

Despite the severity of her injuries, Ava joined the Iowa women’s basketball program for the 2023-24 season. However, she was never medically cleared to play.

Ava made the decision to retire after consulting with team doctors and athletic trainers.

In a heartfelt social media post, she expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her coaches, teammates, and medical staff.

“I would like to start by saying how grateful I am to have been part of the Iowa women’s basketball program,” Jones wrote.

“It is with great sadness to announce that I am medically retiring from college basketball. My coaches, doctors, teammates, and trainers have been amazing since the accident. While I will no longer be a member of the women’s basketball program, I will still be on scholarship, receive a world-class education, and forever be a Hawkeye.“

Legal Fallout and Charges Following the Accident

The driver responsible for the accident, Michael Hurley, was indicted by a grand jury.

He faces multiple charges, including one count of murder, two counts of first-degree assault, one count of fourth-degree assault, and one count of operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

At the time of the crash, Hurley was on probation for drug-related charges and admitted to taking hydrocodone before driving.

Jones Continues Her Journey at Iowa Beyond Basketball

Despite her inability to play, Ava’s scholarship remains intact and does not count against the team’s limit of 15 active basketball players. Coach Jan Jensen emphasized the team’s unwavering support for Ava’s decision to prioritize her health and well-being.

“We wish Ava the best on the road to recovery and fully support the decision she made to step away from the game,” Jensen said.

“She worked tirelessly to get to this point, but she made the best decision for herself and her well-being.“

Ava Jones’ journey from a promising high school basketball star to facing a life-changing accident and ultimately retiring from the sport is a testament to her resilience and determination.

As she continues her education at Iowa, she remains an integral part of the Hawkeye community and exemplifies strength in the face of adversity.

Jake Guentzel is a highly sought-after free agent forward with a proven track record. The Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes are prime contenders for Guentzel’s talents.

Jake Guentzel: Ideal Fit for the Vancouver Canucks

NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal suggests that free agent forward Jake Guentzel should be a top priority for the Vancouver Canucks.

In a recent episode of the Donnie and Dhali Show, Dhaliwal emphasized the importance of adding a top-scoring winger like Guentzel to the Canucks’ lineup.

According to Dhaliwal, Guentzel’s scoring ability would significantly enhance the Canucks’ offensive capabilities, making him a better fit than a center like Elias Lindholm.

Dhaliwal addressed rumors about Guentzel’s reluctance to join a Canadian team, asserting that Guentzel should attract interest from several clubs, including the Canucks.

The decision on Guentzel’s future will likely unfold as teams evaluate their options leading up to July 1.

Nashville Predators: Potential Landing Spot for Guentzel

The Hockey News recently highlighted the Nashville Predators as an ideal destination for Jake Guentzel.

The Predators have approximately $25 million in cap space this offseason, which gives them the financial flexibility to offer Guentzel a lucrative deal. This cap space advantage makes Nashville more attractive than teams with tighter budget constraints.

Additionally, the Predators are striving to become serious contenders. With key players like Roman Josi, Juuse Saros, and Ryan O’Reilly, along with franchise-leading scorer Filip Forsberg, Guentzel would seamlessly fit into a lineup aiming for a championship.

Given Guentzel’s age and career stage, joining a contending team like Nashville might be more appealing than joining a rebuilding team.

Carolina Hurricanes’ Crucial Decision: Retain Jake Guentzel

The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline, hoping for a long-term fit.

Guentzel and Evgeny Kuznetsov were brought in to address the team’s postseason goal-scoring challenges.

Although the Hurricanes were eliminated in the second round, Guentzel’s presence significantly elevated Sebastian Aho’s overall NHL game.

Guentzel elevated Sebastian Aho’s 5-on-5 game, enhancing the team’s overall performance. According to data from Natural Stat Trick, Aho’s line conceded fewer expected goals and high-danger chances once Guentzel joined.

Hurricanes Weigh Contract Risks for Championship Push

Under Tom Dundon, Don Waddell, and Eric Tulsky, the Hurricanes have avoided paying hefty contracts to veteran players.

They allowed Dougie Hamilton and Vincent Trocheck to leave, adhering to a strategy that maintains a competitive core without significant financial risks.

Now, with Guentzel likely headed to free agency, the Hurricanes face a dilemma. Keeping Guentzel could mean breaking their trend, but it’s a necessary move considering the team’s long-term window of contention.

Guentzel’s addition to the supporting cast of Aho, Slavin, Jarvis, and Svechnikov could significantly boost the team’s championship prospects.

Evaluating the Canucks’ Potential Trade for Guentzel

The Vancouver Canucks have been linked to Jake Guentzel, and with his signing rights potentially available for a mid-round draft pick, the Canucks must evaluate the trade’s feasibility.

Although they lack first and second-round picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, acquiring Guentzel could significantly bolster their top-six forward lineup.

Guentzel’s consistent scoring record, including multiple 30-goal seasons, makes him a valuable addition.

However, re-signing him will be costly, and the Canucks must ensure they can reach an agreement to make the NHL trade worthwhile.

Determining the Best Team Fit for Jake Guentzel

Jake Guentzel is a highly sought-after free agent who can make a big difference for any NHL team.

The Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes each have their own reasons for wanting him and face different challenges in getting him.

Money and team dynamics are important factors, but Guentzel’s impact on the ice is undeniable. Teams need to consider the short-term benefits and long-term costs to determine the best fit for this top player.