Dustin Poirier, fresh off what many presumed was his final bow in the Octagon, has seemingly caught the “retirement bug” – that peculiar ailment common among combat sports athletes where “goodbye” often means “see you later.” The Diamond recently hinted at a very specific cure for this condition: a 12-round boxing match against the enigmatic Nate Diaz. However, Diaz, ever the architect of his own narrative, quickly dampened Poirier’s flickering flame with a characteristic dose of Stockton skepticism.
The Diamond`s Lingering Desire
Poirier’s initial retirement sentiment, following a heartfelt performance at UFC 318 in front of his Louisiana faithful, felt definitive. Yet, the allure of an unfinished chapter proved too strong. He took to social media, suggesting that if there were one fight capable of pulling him back from his hard-earned rest, it would be a clash with Nate Diaz in the boxing ring. This wasn`t a casual call-out; it was a testament to a rivalry that has simmered for years, born from a ghost of a fight that never materialized.
Nate Diaz: The Gatekeeper of Possibilities
Enter Nate Diaz, the undisputed master of the perfectly timed, perfectly blunt social media retort. Upon hearing Poirier’s overture, Diaz didn’t mince words. His response was succinct and undeniably Diaz-esque: “I’d beat your a– but you’re not allowed. PS you’re checked out already.”
This isn`t just trash talk; it`s a multi-layered jab. “You’re not allowed” could imply that Poirier, in Diaz’s eyes, isn’t on his level, isn’t worthy of the opportunity, or perhaps lacks the necessary promotional clout within the nascent Zuffa Boxing concept. The “checked out already” remark cuts deeper, suggesting Poirier has mentally retired, lacking the hunger required to step back into such a high-stakes encounter – a classic move to get under an opponent`s skin.
A Rivalry Forged in a Canceled Bout
The roots of this animosity stretch back to UFC 230 in 2018, when a highly anticipated lightweight showdown between Poirier and Diaz was scheduled for Madison Square Garden. Fate, or perhaps promotional complexities, intervened, and the fight collapsed. Both fighters offered differing accounts of the cancellation, igniting a war of words that has occasionally flared up ever since. For Poirier, it remains one of his few career regrets, a “what if” that has evidently never faded. For Diaz, it`s another notch in his long list of grievances and perceived disrespect.
Zuffa Boxing: The Unlikely Arena?
Poirier`s specific mention of “Zuffa Boxing” is noteworthy. While Zuffa (the parent company of UFC) has dabbled in boxing promotion, it hasn`t become a prominent player. This detail raises questions: is Poirier legitimately proposing a fight under that banner, or is it a rhetorical flourish to suggest a platform where both he and Diaz could potentially operate outside the traditional UFC contract structure? Diaz has certainly explored boxing extensively since his departure from the UFC, participating in high-profile matches. This makes a boxing contest a more plausible scenario for him than a return to MMA for a one-off.
The Allure of Unfinished Business
For fans, a boxing match between these two gladiators represents a fascinating proposition. Both are known for their relentless pressure, durable chins, and willingness to engage in wars. While their MMA careers have followed different trajectories, their shared history and mutual disdain create a compelling narrative. Is Diaz genuinely dismissive, or is this merely a negotiation tactic, an initial parry in a dance that could eventually lead to a lucrative showdown?
Only time will tell if Poirier`s retirement-ending whisper will evolve into a concrete proposal, and if Diaz`s defiant roar can be softened by the undeniable allure of a big-money fight and the chance to settle a long-standing score. For now, the combat sports world watches, waiting for the next exchange in this enduring, captivating saga.
