Retired UFC Legend Calls for '1 More Fight' and Targets Nate Diaz
In a surprise move, retired former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has expressed his desire to return to the ring, but not in the Octagon. Early Tuesday morning, Poirier took to social media platform X to call on Zuffa Boxing, the newly launched professional boxing promotion company under TKO Group Holdings (the parent of UFC and WWE), to set up a 12-round boxing match with Nate Diaz.
Poirier's tweet read: "It's time for one more fight. I'm calling out @NateDiaz209 to get in the ring with me for 12 rounds. Let's put on a show!" The 35-year-old fighter, who walked away from the UFC earlier this year after losing a unanimous decision to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in July, is seeking a new challenge outside of the Octagon.
According to Poirier's stats, he has a professional MMA record of 28-7 with 18 wins by knockout or submission. Diaz, on the other hand, boasts an impressive MMA record of 21-13 with 11 wins by knockout or submission. The two fighters have a history of entertaining fans with their high-energy fights.
When asked about Poirier's callout, UFC CEO Dana White said: "We're always open to giving our fighters opportunities outside of the Octagon. If Dustin wants to box, we'll support him. But it's up to Nate Diaz to decide if he wants to take on a new challenge."
Zuffa Boxing, founded in partnership with Saudi Arabia's entertainment conglomerate Sela, has been making waves in the boxing world since its launch earlier this year. The promotion company is led by UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Alalshikh (Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Pro League).
Poirier's decision to pursue a boxing career comes as no surprise, given his impressive striking skills in the Octagon. As a former interim lightweight champion, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to finish fights with devastating knockouts.
The current status of Poirier's callout is uncertain, but one thing is clear: fans are eager to see these two fighters face off in the ring. With Zuffa Boxing on board, the possibilities for this highly anticipated match-up are endless.
In a statement, Poirier said: "I'm not done yet. I've got one more fight left in me, and I want it to be against Nate Diaz. Let's put on a show and give the fans what they want."
The world of combat sports is abuzz with excitement as Poirier's callout has sparked a new wave of speculation about his future in the ring. Will he get his wish and face off against Diaz? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this fight would be an instant classic.
Background
Dustin Poirier, 35, is a retired former UFC interim lightweight champion with a professional MMA record of 28-7. He walked away from the Octagon earlier this year after losing a unanimous decision to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in July.
Nate Diaz, 38, is an experienced MMA fighter with a professional record of 21-13. He has a history of entertaining fans with his high-energy fights and has faced off against some of the biggest names in the sport.
Additional Perspectives
Poirier's decision to pursue a boxing career has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Some see it as an opportunity for him to showcase his skills outside of the Octagon, while others believe it may be a sign that he's struggling to adapt to the changing landscape of MMA.
As for Diaz, his response to Poirier's callout remains unknown. Will he accept the challenge and face off against the retired UFC legend? Only time will tell.
Current Status
Poirier's callout has sparked a new wave of speculation about his future in the ring. With Zuffa Boxing on board, the possibilities for this highly anticipated match-up are endless. Fans can only wait with bated breath to see if these two fighters will face off in the ring.
*Reporting by Forbes.*
