Dustin Poirier Open to Boxing Match with Nate Diaz | MMA News

Dustin Poirier Open to Boxing Match with Nate Diaz, Despite Retirement

Despite announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts, Dustin Poirier has indicated he would return to competition for a boxing match against Nate Diaz. The surprising declaration came via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, September 30, 2025.

Poirier, 36, officially retired from the UFC in July following a pre-planned final bout against Max Holloway in his home state of Louisiana. He had previously stated his intention to remain retired, but his recent social media post suggests a potential exception. “Zuffa Boxing, [12 rounds], me and Nathaniel, I’d do it,” Poirier wrote. “Only [one] more fight I’d take.”

Did you know? – Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz were initially scheduled to fight in 2018, but the bout never materialized. Both fighters have publicly blamed the other for the fight falling through, creating a long-standing rivalry.

The potential matchup stems from a previously scheduled fight between Poirier (30-10) and Diaz (21-13) that fell apart in 2018. Both fighters have publicly blamed the other for the cancellation.According to Poirier, the prolonged negotiation process between Diaz and the UFC was the primary obstacle. Conversely, Diaz accused Poirier of withdrawing due to existing injuries, even suggesting he considered it a victory due to Poirier’s acknowledgement of those injuries.

Diaz, 40, departed the UFC in 2022 to explore opportunities outside of the octagon.He entered the boxing world in 2023 with a unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul, and most recently secured a victory over former UFC competitor Jorge Masvidal in a boxing contest in July 2024. He has also publicly expressed a desire to possibly return to the UFC at some point.As of this publication, Diaz has not responded to Poirier’s challenge.

“I’m retired, I’m done, but Nate is one that got away,” Poirier added in his post.

Pro tip: – Boxing matches for MMA fighters often involve adjustments to strategy. MMA fighters must adapt to a solely striking-based contest, focusing on hand speed, footwork, and defensive boxing techniques.

the possibility of a Poirier-Diaz boxing match is further fueled by recent developments in the boxing world. On Monday, Zuffa Boxing announced a long-term broadcasting agreement with Paramount+ and CBS. The promotion, founded earlier in 2025, is spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White.

This new venture from Zuffa Boxing could provide a platform for the highly anticipated clash between Poirier and Diaz, offering a lucrative opportunity for both fighters and a compelling event for combat sports fans.

Reader question: – Do you think a boxing match would settle the rivalry between Poirier and Diaz, or would it simply open the door for further disputes? Share your thoughts!

Why, Who, What, and How did it end?

Why: Dustin Poirier, despite being retired from MMA, expressed interest in a single return fight against Nate Diaz. This stems from a previously failed fight booking in 2018 and a lingering sense of unfinished business.

Who: The key figures are Dustin Poirier (30-10 MMA record), a recently retired UFC fighter, and Nate Diaz (21-13 MMA record), a former UFC star now competing in boxing. Dana White and Zuffa boxing are also central to the potential event.

What: Poirier publicly challenged Diaz to a 12-round boxing match under the Zuffa boxing banner. The challenge was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on September 30, 2025.

How did it end? As of the publication of this report