Full Breakdown
Dustin Poirier Considers Boxing Match Against Nate Diaz Post-Retirement
9/30/2025, 10:13:36 PM
Poirier's Retirement and Callout
Dustin Poirier, a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, officially retired from the UFC in July 2025 after a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318. This marked the end of a notable career, during which he became a fan favorite and a former interim lightweight champion. Despite his retirement, Poirier recently expressed interest in returning to the ring for a boxing match against longtime rival Nate Diaz. On September 30, 2025, he posted on social media, “Zuffa Boxing, [12 rounds], me and Nathaniel, I’d do it. Only [one] more fight I’d take.” This declaration has reignited discussions about a matchup that has been anticipated since their scheduled fight in 2018 fell through.
Background of the Rivalry
The proposed fight between Poirier and Diaz has a complicated history. Initially scheduled for UFC 230 in November 2018, the bout was canceled due to Poirier's injury, with both fighters blaming each other for the fallout. Poirier accused Diaz of delaying negotiations, while Diaz claimed he held a psychological edge over Poirier due to his withdrawal. Since then, both fighters have pursued different paths; Diaz left the UFC in 2022 and has since fought in boxing, including a loss to Jake Paul and a victory over Jorge Masvidal.
Zuffa Boxing's Emergence
Poirier's interest in boxing coincides with the launch of Zuffa Boxing, a new promotion led by UFC CEO Dana White, which recently secured a broadcasting deal with Paramount+. This development has encouraged Poirier to consider a boxing match as a potential avenue for competition, despite his stated intention to remain retired from MMA. The promotion aims to host 12 events annually starting in 2026, and a fight between Poirier and Diaz would likely attract significant attention from both MMA and boxing fans.
Official Statements & Responses
While Poirier maintains that he is retired, he has acknowledged that Diaz represents "the one that got away." He clarified that any return to competition would be a one-off event, stating, “I’m retired, I’m done, but Nate is one that got away.” Diaz has not yet publicly responded to Poirier's callout, leaving fans eager for any developments regarding this potential matchup.
Criticism & Opposition
Poirier's recent comments have drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some criticize the notion of him returning to competition so soon after retirement, questioning the integrity of his decision to step away from the sport. Others, however, view the potential fight as an exciting opportunity for both fighters to settle their long-standing rivalry in a new format.
What's Next?
As of now, the future of a Poirier vs. Diaz boxing match remains uncertain. Should Diaz express interest in the bout, it could pave the way for a significant event under the Zuffa Boxing banner. Fans are hopeful that this long-anticipated fight could materialize, potentially taking place in 2026 as part of the promotion's inaugural events.
