Dustin Poirier was expected to ride off into the sunset after a storied 16-year run in the UFC.  His last appearance in the Octagon saw him square off against Max Holloway at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, in the Smoothie King Center in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Surrounded by his hometown crowd, ‘The Diamond’ drew huge support from the fans. And, true to form, the 36-year-old didn’t disappoint. 

Delivering an action-packed match-up, Holloway dropped Poirier early with a right hand, but ‘The Diamond’ recovered, even flooring Holloway in the second round. The fifth round ended memorably with both fighters trading bombs in a Holloway-style point-down exchange. But in the end, Poirier fell short, losing the fight via unanimous decision. However, the guillotine specialist isn’t quite done, as he called out Nate Diaz for a fight. 

The only fight Dustin Poirier would take

Earlier today, the former interim lightweight champion hopped on X to write, “Zuffa Boxing 12 [rounds] me and Nathaniel I’d do it. Only 1 more fight I’d take.” When a fan mocked him for making a retirement U-turn by writing, “Here we go….,” Poirier shot back, adding, “We [are] not even going anywhere, but someone asked me… I’m retired, I’m done, but Nate is one that got away.”

The long-awaited clash between Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz has been a case of ‘so close, yet so far.’ The two have flirted with a fight for years, only for circumstances to derail it each time. Back in 2018, they were scheduled to meet on the co-main event of UFC 230, headlined by Daniel Cormier vs. Derrick Lewis. But contract disputes with Diaz, combined with a hip injury for Poirier, caused the bout to collapse.

Fast forward to September 2022, when Khamzat Chimaev missed weight for his bout with Diaz. In a dramatic twist, Poirier was offered the fight on just 24 hours’ notice. True to his warrior spirit, he accepted, but the UFC instead reshuffled the card to book Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson. Regardless, Poirier’s demand for a boxing match against Diaz comes right after a massive announcement for the Dana White-led Zuffa Boxing. 

Dana White-led Zuffa Boxing lands deal with Paramount+, CBS

Paramount and TKO Group Holdings have struck a broadcast deal to bring Zuffa Boxing cards to Paramount+ and CBS for the next five years from next year. The promotion will stage 12 events annually across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. “I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” White said in a statement. 

“There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.” White confirmed female boxers will be part of the competition, as Zuffa Boxing creates its own championships. 

Having said that, whether Dustin Poirier can convince Dana White to include him in the roster to face Nate Diaz is yet to be seen. Would you like to see them fight in a boxing match next year?