Dustin Poirier Open to Returning for Boxing Match Against Nate Diaz

Poirier Dangles boxing Match with Diaz, Tempting Return From Retirement

September 30, 2025 – 1:04 PM ET

Dustin Poirier, though officially retired from Mixed Martial Arts competition, has indicated a willingness to return to the fight game under specific conditions. The 36-year-old challenged Nate Diaz to a 12-round boxing contest, a proposition he made via a post on social media platform X on Monday.

Poirier concluded his Ultimate Fighting Championship career in July with a pre-planned bout against Max Holloway in Louisiana. He had previously signaled his intent to step away from the sport, but the potential for a clash with diaz appears to be a compelling exception.

A Long-Simmering rivalry

The animosity between Poirier and Diaz spans several years. A planned contest in 2018 fell apart amidst disagreements over contract negotiations. Both fighters have publicly blamed the other for the cancellation, with Poirier suggesting Diaz’s demands were unreasonable and Diaz claiming Poirier withdrew due to injury concerns.

Diaz, now 40 years old, departed the UFC in 2022 and has as ventured into the realm of professional boxing.he faced Jake Paul in 2023, losing by unanimous decision, and secured a victory over former UFC competitor Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match this past July. He continues to express openness to a potential return to the octagon.

Zuffa Boxing’s New Venture

Poirier’s challenge comes as Zuffa Boxing, a new promotion spearheaded by UFC CEO Dana White, has recently announced a broadcasting agreement with Paramount+ and CBS. This new venture is intended to elevate boxing’s presence in the United States.

did You Know? According to data from Statista, boxing viewership in the U.S. saw a 15% increase in 2024, driven by high-profile crossover fights and renewed interest in the sport.

Poirier stated, “I’m retired, I’m done, but Nate is one that got away.”

Key Fighter Statistics

Fighter Name	Age	record (MMA)	Record (Boxing)
Dustin poirier	36	30-10	0-0
Nate Diaz	40	21-13	1-1

Pro Tip: Boxing matches involving MMA stars often draw significant pay-per-view buys, even if the fighters lack extensive boxing experience. This is due to the built-in fanbase from the MMA world.

The Rise of Crossover Combat Sports

The potential Poirier-Diaz boxing match exemplifies a growing trend in combat sports: fighters crossing over between disciplines. This phenomenon, fueled by lucrative opportunities and fan interest, has seen several prominent MMA athletes test their skills in the boxing ring, and vice versa.

Factors contributing to this trend include the desire for financial gain, the challenge of mastering a new skillset, and the marketing potential of pitting established stars against each other in different formats. The success of fights like Jake Paul versus Nate Diaz have demonstrated the commercial viability of thes crossover events.

Frequently Asked Questions about Poirier vs. diaz

• What is the primary reason Dustin Poirier would come out of retirement?

  Poirier has stated he would only consider fighting Nate Diaz in a boxing match.

• Has a fight between Poirier and Diaz ever been scheduled?

  Yes, a UFC fight between the two was planned in 2018 but ultimately canceled.

• What is Zuffa Boxing’s role in this potential matchup?

  Zuffa Boxing, the new promotion led by Dana White, could provide a platform for the fight.

• What is Nate Diaz’s current boxing record?

  diaz has a professional boxing record of one win and one loss.

• Is Dustin Poirier still actively training?

  while retired from MMA, Poirier appears to be keeping in shape and open to a boxing match.

will diaz accept poirier’s challenge? And if so, how will their contrasting styles translate to the boxing ring?

What other crossover fights would you like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How might a boxing match with Nate Diaz affect Dustin Poirier’s standing and potential title contention within the UFC lightweight division?

Poirier vs. diaz: A Boxing Rematch on the Horizon?

Recent reports indicate that Dustin Poirier is seriously considering a return to the boxing ring for a rematch against Nate Diaz. This potential fight has ignited significant buzz within the combat sports community, especially given the history between the two fighters in the UFC. While Poirier has largely focused on his MMA career, the allure of a boxing-specific showdown with Diaz appears strong.

the History: UFC Battles and a Controversial Finish

Poirier and Diaz have clashed twice inside the Octagon, with a somewhat contentious history.

* UFC 199 (2016): Nate Diaz submitted Dustin Poirier in the second round, a shocking upset at the time.This victory propelled Diaz to superstardom.

* UFC 241 (2019): Poirier secured a unanimous decision victory over Diaz in a highly anticipated rematch. Tho, the fight was not without debate, with some arguing Diaz was fatigued and not at his best.

These two fights established a rivalry, and the possibility of settling the score in a different arena – the boxing ring – is proving to be a compelling prospect for both fighters and fans. Nate Diaz boxing has always been a fan favorite,and a rematch with Poirier would undoubtedly draw a large audience.

Why Boxing? Poirier’s Motivation and Diaz’s Boxing Background

Poirier’s openness to a boxing match stems from several factors. He’s expressed a desire to test his skills in a pure striking surroundings and possibly capitalize on the financial opportunities a high-profile boxing bout offers.

* Financial Incentive: A boxing match against Diaz would likely be a lucrative event,offering both fighters a significant payday.

* Skill Showcase: Poirier has consistently demonstrated strong striking skills throughout his MMA career. Boxing allows him to focus solely on this aspect of his game.

* Diaz’s Boxing Credentials: Nate diaz has a background in boxing, having competed in the sport before transitioning to MMA. This makes him a credible opponent in the boxing realm.

Potential Fight Details: weight Class and Negotiations

Negotiations are reportedly underway, but several key details remain to be finalized.

* Weight Class: The proposed weight class is a crucial point of discussion. Reports suggest a weight around 175 pounds is being considered,a compromise between Diaz’s usual weight and Poirier’s.

* Promoter Involvement: The involvement of major boxing promoters like Top Rank or PBC (Premier Boxing Champions) is expected to be essential for securing the fight and ensuring a high level of production.

* Timing: While no official date has been set, speculation points towards a potential fight in early 2026.

Poirier’s Recent Activity and Boxing Training

Dustin Poirier’s most recent fight was a loss to benoit Saint-Denis in April 2024. He has been relatively quiet as then, fueling speculation about his future plans.

* Training Updates: Sources close to Poirier have indicated he has begun incorporating more boxing-specific training into his regimen, working with experienced boxing coaches to refine his technique.

* Sparring Partners: Reports suggest Poirier has been sparring with professional boxers to prepare for the potential challenge Diaz presents.

diaz’s Recent Boxing Ventures and Performance

Nate Diaz recently made his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul in August 2023, losing by unanimous decision. Despite the loss, the fight generated significant pay-per-view revenue and demonstrated Diaz’s willingness to compete in the boxing world.

* Jake Paul Fight Analysis: While Diaz lost to Paul, he showed durability and a willingness to engage, proving he isn’t afraid to take on boxing challenges.

* Fan demand: The demand for Diaz in boxing remains high, as evidenced by the viewership numbers for his fight against Paul.

Impact on the Lightweight Division (MMA)

A potential boxing match between Poirier and Diaz could have implications for the UFC lightweight division.

* Poirier’s Return to MMA: A boxing match could delay Poirier’s return to the Octagon, potentially impacting his position in the lightweight rankings.