Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier revealed that his attempts to lure Nate Diaz into a Zuffa Boxing ring were rejected by the promotion.
Poirier, who officially hung up the gloves following a trilogy loss to Max Holloway in July 2025, admitted that while he is finished with MMA, a 12-round boxing match against his long-time rival was the “one more fight” that could have brought him out of retirement. Poirier expressed genuine frustration that Zuffa Boxing—the new venture led by Dana White and TKO Group—passed on what he considered a “guaranteed blockbuster.” Reports suggested the UFC’s parent company may have been hesitant to platform Diaz, who has become a centerpiece for rival Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) as he will face Mike Perry on the May 16 Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card.
“That’s something I would like to do — box. I always wanted to have a couple before [I retired] but I’m still under contract, even though I’m retired, I still have a contract with the UFC. Trust me, I already pitched it to them. Me and Nate Diaz, Zuffa Boxing, let’s go. 170 [pounds] or 168, super middleweight, let’s do it. They don’t want any crossover,” Poirier saidÂ