Jun 1, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Dustin Poirier (blue gloves) reacts during the fight against Islam Makhachev (red gloves) during UFC 302 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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Dustin Poirier Coming Back? Former Interim Champion Hints At Return; But On One Condition!

Dustin Poirier hung up his gloves in July after a brutal war with Max Holloway. The Louisiana native gave everything in that UFC 318 main event back home in New Orleans. Five rounds of pure violence ended with Holloway’s hand raised. Poirier walked away from the octagon that night, seemingly for good. But fans know how retirement works in combat sports. It rarely sticks.

The former interim lightweight champion spent 14 years building a legacy in the UFC. He started as a featherweight prospect back in 2011. Over time, he evolved into one of the most respected fighters in the sport. Multiple title shots, wars with Conor McGregor, and that legendary trilogy with Max Holloway defined his career. Everyone thought the story was over after UFC 318. Turns out, there might be one more chapter left.

Is Dustin Poirier Coming Back?

Poirier recently dropped a bombshell on social media that got the MMA world buzzing. He posted on X that he would consider coming back for one specific scenario and this wouldn’t be in the UFC octagon. Instead, he’s eyeing a boxing match under Dana White’s new Zuffa Boxing promotion. And he’s got one opponent in mind: Nate Diaz.

“Zuffa Boxing 12 rounds, me and Nathaniel, I’d do it. Only 1 more fight I’d take.”

Zuffa Boxing 12rnds me and Nathaniel I'd do it. Only 1 more fight I'd take
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 30, 2025

The backstory here makes this potential matchup even more interesting. These two were supposed to fight way back in 2018. UFC 230 at Madison Square Garden was supposed to feature Poirier vs Diaz as the main event. But Poirier pulled out about a month before the card. Things got messy after that. Both fighters went back and forth publicly, blaming each other for the cancellation. The bout never got rescheduled, and the rivalry just kind of faded away.

Poirier (30-10- 1 NC) insists he’s truly retired from MMA and has no plans for another UFC fight. But Nate Diaz represents unfinished business. Seven years have passed since their scheduled showdown fell apart. Both fighters have taken different paths since then. Diaz left the UFC and ventured into boxing, facing Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal. Poirier chased titles and cemented his Hall of Fame credentials.

Whether this fight actually happens remains uncertain. Diaz has mentioned wanting one more UFC title run before completely walking away. But a big money boxing match against Poirier might be too tempting to pass up. The promotional machine behind Zuffa Boxing has Saudi backing and deep pockets. For Poirier, it’s a chance to settle old business and add to his bank account. For Diaz, it’s another opportunity to do things his way. The ball’s in their court now.

(Image Credit: Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images)

Dustin Poirier

Nate Diaz

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!