Former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier bid his final farewell in July, making what was described as his last walk to the Octagon. Max Holloway would hand him the final defeat in a unanimous decision after five hard-fought rounds. But even as he left, Poirier believed one thing: he still had it in him. 

As steadfast as Poirier has remained about his retirement, it hasn’t been easy. Back in October, The Diamond admitted it was a constant battle, knowing he could still beat the young guys. He has persisted thus far, but if he ever decides to return, at least for one last run, White House couldn’t come as a better opportunity. Fans echoed that sentiment when they chanted “One-off at the White House? White House! Let’s go, baby,” ahead of Friday’s UFC 322 ceremonial weigh-ins. Unfortunately, that wish might go unanswered. 

“I don’t know, man, it would have to be… perfect, like, some reason for me to do it,” he replied during the Q&A. “I don’t know if I could pass a USADA test right now, man.” 

With Dana White announcing it to be the ‘biggest, baddest card of all time,’ some of the promotion’s biggest stars have already expressed interest, even if it means coming out of retirement. Jon Jones, for one, has remained consistent in pitching his case to White. Just last Wednesday, he released an ad on social media, captioning,  “It just makes sense. The best country on earth 🤝 the best fighter on earth.” 

And then there’s Conor McGregor, who hasn’t fought in years but re-entered the testing pool to clear his path to the card. So why not Poirier as well? He ended his career on a back-to-back loss– the first-ever in his 41-fight career. In front of the 5000 VIP crowd — many expected to be foreign dignitaries — and 85,000 more fans in the President’s Park, it would make for a good redemption if he succeeds. 

NEW YORK CITY, NY – NOVEMBER 12: L-R Dustin Poirier looks on during the UFC 281 event at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2022 in New York City, New York, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Louis Grasse / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xLouisxGrassex/xSPPx spp-en-LoGr-lrg2211121091204_UFC281_MAINPoirier was already highly ranked at the time of retirement, and still chases the training camp feels. The rumblings of fights against Nate Diaz or McGregor haven’t been far either, but The Diamond is determined to focus on things other than fighting.

“I just look around at what I’m doing this for. My pregnant wife, my daughter. I have plenty of reasons why I’m not doing it,” he admitted to Uncrowned last month. Even if he believed in ‘never say never,’ saying the right circumstance and a right opportunity might sway him, USADA is definitely a caution.

The anti-doping agency requires fighters to submit quarterly whereabouts for unannounced testing. Athletes can be called for urine or blood samples at any time, which are analyzed at WADA-accredited labs. Positive tests trigger investigations, hearings, and potential sanctions. 

Regardless, Poirier’s confession suggests he might not be planning a return quite yet. Instead, he wants to watch from the sidelines. But he did reveal what it would take for him to return to fighting ways. 

Poirier wants to switch disciplines

Dustin Poirier may have walked away from MMA, but retirement hasn’t dimmed his competitive fire. ‘The Diamond’ was hinting at switching disciplines altogether. Just months after saying he was battling himself over whether he made the right decision to retire, Poirier has surprised fans by calling out Nate Diaz—not in the Octagon, but in a boxing ring.

With Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing striking an exclusive broadcast deal with Paramount, Poirier jumped on X and made his intentions clear. “Zuffa Boxing, 12 rounds me and Nathaniel I’d do it. Only 1 more fight I’d take.” The statement marks Poirier’s strongest hint yet that a combat sports comeback may not involve MMA at all.

That said, Dustin Poirier doesn’t seem in any rush to return—not only because he’s retired, but also due to head trauma and USADA concerns. Would you want to see ‘The Diamond’ make one more walk to the Octagon?