Dana White Alerted as UFC Legend Dustin Poirier Eyes to Settle ‘One Fight That Got Away’ Under Zuffa Banner

Just months after retirement, UFC veteran Dustin Poirier reignites the Nate Diaz rivalry for a potential Zuffa Boxing bout.

Dana White Alerted as UFC Legend Dustin Poirier Eyes to Settle ‘One Fight That Got Away’ Under Zuffa Banner

Dustin Poirier wants to fight Nate Diaz under Zuffa Boxing (via Instagram, MMA Mania)

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Throughout combat sports, certain rivalries and potential matchups have lingered in the minds of fans and fighters alike. Not every fight takes place when it should, and sometimes circumstances prevent anticipated clashes from becoming reality. UFC veteran and fan favorite Dustin Poirier recently expressed his wish to reignite his rivalry against Nate Diaz, but under the Zuffa Boxing banner.

The Louisiana native has built up an illustrious career since his debut in the promotion back in 2011. Known for his relentless boxing prowess and endurance, the former interim champ has cemented himself as one of the greatest lightweights in the UFC. However, his career came to an end when he retired after a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in his hometown of Louisiana.

However, Poirier and Diaz have a history of nearly crossing paths. The two were scheduled to fight at UFC 230 in 2018, but the bout was scrapped after Poirier suffered a hip injury. Moreover, the duo even expressed a desire to have a new weight class in the form of 165lbs to settle their feud. However, that never happened.

Ever since then, both fighters have expressed their desire to fight each other and have been involved in online feuds on multiple occasions. ‘The Diamond’ recently took to X and revealed his wish to fight Diaz years after their cancelled bout, but with a twist.

Zuffa Boxing 12rnds me and Nathaniel I’d do it. Only 1 more fight I’d take.

Dustin Poirier via X

Since their cancelled UFC 230 bout, both men had pursued different paths in the UFC, with Poirier competing for world titles and Diaz maintaining his role as one of the sport’s most popular and unpredictable figures.

The cancellation left fans wondering what could have been, making Poirier’s recent statement all the more significant. Moreover, the interim champion has claimed at times that Diaz actually negotiated himself out of their slated Madison Square Garden bout and thus got away from the matchup.

We not even going anywhere but someone asked me….I’m retired, I’m done, but Nate is one that got away.

Dustin Poirier via X

Diaz himself has been active in boxing, further fueling speculation about the potential matchup. After departing from the UFC in 2022, Diaz went on to box Jake Paul in a high-profile crossover fight. After which, he went on to win a majority decision against former UFC rival Jorge Masvidal in their boxing rematch. The mention of Zuffa Boxing as the platform added further weight to the proposal.

For Poirier, the fight represents a chance to finally settle a rivalry that never materialized inside the Octagon. However, for Diaz, it provides another opportunity to extend his career in crossover combat sports. While no official announcements have been made, the idea of a Poirier vs. Diaz boxing match under Zuffa stands as one of the more compelling “what ifs” that could still become reality.

Fans react to Dustin Poirier calling out Nate Diaz for a Zuffa Boxing bout

Zuffa Boxing, the promotion referenced by Dustin Poirier, was officially founded in June 2025 by Dana White and Turki Al-Sheikh as a joint venture between Sela and TKO Group Holdings. The promotion recently held its inaugural event, featuring the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford superfight. However, fans are divided over a potential fight between Poirier and Diaz taking place in the promotion.

Dustin Poirier Nate Diaz
Dustin Poirier Nate Diaz (via BJ Penn)

Fans were divided on whether boxing is the right platform for the bout. Some fans pointed out that both Poirier and Diaz are far more seasoned in mixed martial arts than in professional boxing and questioned if a boxing contest would showcase their best skills. Still, many acknowledged that Diaz already has boxing experience from his previous outings, which makes him a natural fit for crossover combat.

In the bigger picture, fans also reminded Poirier about his earlier statements regarding life after fighting. Some pointed out that he previously hinted at stepping away to focus on his family and other ventures outside of the cage. Regardless of the questions and debates, fans will undoubtedly tune in to watch a Dustin Poirier vs. Nate Diaz fight, eager to witness the long-awaited clash between two MMA legends.

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