Dustin Poirier, although retired from mixed martial arts, is seriously considering a return to the boxing ring to face Nate Diaz. Poirier, 36, retired from the UFC in July, after a final pre-announced fight against Max Holloway in his home state of Louisiana. Despite having made it clear that he has no intention of fighting again, he surprised everyone with a statement on social media on Monday.
“Zuffa Boxing, 12 rounds, me and Nathaniel, I would do it,” Poirier wrote on X. “Just one more fight I would accept.”
Dustin PoirierPoirier (30-10) and Diaz (21-13) were scheduled to face each other in the UFC in 2018 in New York, but the fight did not materialize. Both fighters blame each other for it. Poirier claimed that Diaz’s prolonged negotiations with the UFC were the main reason for the cancellation, while Diaz accused Poirier of withdrawing due to persistent injuries. Diaz, 40 years old, left the UFC in 2022 to explore other opportunities outside the octagon. He debuted in professional boxing against Jake Paul in 2023, losing by unanimous decision. In his last appearance, he defeated his former UFC rival, Jorge Masvidal, in a boxing match in July 2024. He has expressed interest in returning to the UFC at some point. Diaz hasn’t responded to Poirier’s proposal yet.On Monday, Zuffa Boxing announced a long-term broadcast agreement in the United States with Paramount+ and CBS.“I’m retired, I’m done, but Nate is one of the ones who got away,” Poirier wrote.
Dustin Poirier
