What happened?
Lil Wayne and Dustin Poirier were supposed to make Louisiana magic at UFC 318, but something got lost between the hype and the octagon. In New Orleans, this was billed as the final fight of Poirier’s incredible MMA career. And fans were primed to see their hometown hero make his entrance flanked by none other than Tunechi himself. But when the lights dimmed and the walk-out began, Lil Wayne did not walk him out.
This was supposed to be epic! And, it wasn’t just a rumor—it was confirmed. In an interview with ESPN earlier in the week, Poirier emphatically stated, “Wayne is walking me out. 100%.” That’s about as definitive as it gets. The press ran wild with it. And for Hip-Hop heads, UFC fans, and Louisiana natives, the moment promised to be legendary.
Only… it never happened.
Wayne was in the building at UFC 318. He was photographed backstage, and several sources confirmed his presence at the Smoothie King Center. So, it wasn’t a case of ghosting. But when it came time for the walk-out, Poirier emerged solo. No Wayne and no “A Milli.” The Diamond was amped so it may not have been a great, big issue.
This begs the question: what happened?
No official explanation has come out from either camp. Some are saying it was some last-minute UFC red tape. It also could have been logistics or production rights. Apparently, Wayne was ready but got cut due to a broadcast change or backstage miscommunication.
Poirier didn’t address the walk-out absence directly in the post-fight media. And Weezy? Nada. To make matters worse, Poirier lost. He’s got a storied career regardless. God bless.
On a side note, people are wondering what happened to Wayne.