Dustin Poirier expresses frustration over the UFC’s decision to decline his proposal for a boxing match against Nate Diaz. After retiring from MMA last year, Poirier indicates interest in returning for specific bouts, including a trilogy with Justin Gaethje or a boxing clash with Diaz to settle their rivalry.
Contract Hurdles and Zuffa Boxing Pitch
Poirier faces a key obstacle: remaining fights on his UFC contract, which bar external bouts. He pitched the idea to Zuffa Boxing, the promotion’s boxing arm, as a potential solution. However, the proposal received a firm no.
On the Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show, Poirier explains the reasoning. “They don’t want any crossover,” he states. “I think Zuffa wants to be taken seriously by the boxing world. They must hate money, dude. They hate money.”
Poirier theorizes that approving an MMA fighter for Zuffa Boxing events would open the floodgates. “Every guy on the roster, every girl on the roster is going to want to do the same. It just becomes a mess,” he adds.
Diaz’s Stance and Future Plans
Diaz previously states that Poirier cannot fight him due to contractual issues. Even an Octagon rematch appears unlikely, as Diaz signs with Most Valuable Promotions for a bout against Mike Perry on Netflix, closing the door on a UFC return.
