Retired former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier is plotting a final bout, and he wants Nate Diaz—just not under UFC rules. The move suggests a crossover event, with timing and venue still open, and raises questions about format, promotion, and payout.
Poirier, one of the most respected names in mixed martial arts, has long chased big challenges. Diaz, a veteran fan favorite, has stepped into boxing rings before and carries strong drawing power. Their names alone could anchor a major card beyond a standard UFC event.
“Retired former interim champion Dustin Poirier wants one more fight, and he has his sights set on Nate Diaz—and he’s not eyeing a fight in the Octagon.”
Two veterans, one crossover target
Poirier built his reputation on grit and high-volume action. He captured the interim UFC lightweight title in 2019 and headlined several pay-per-views. Diaz became a star after a short-notice win over Conor McGregor in 2016 and has maintained a passionate following through high-profile bouts and callouts.
Diaz has already tested boxing, facing social media star Jake Paul in 2023. That experience, along with his appeal on the microphone, positions him as a logical partner for a non-UFC showcase.
Why outside the Octagon?
Seeking a fight outside the UFC could mean boxing, special-rules MMA, or a promotional one-off. Fighters often look there for more autonomy, fewer contractual limits, and larger revenue shares from pay-per-view and sponsorship.
Recent crossover events—such as Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather and Francis Ngannou’s boxing adventures—show that established MMA names can draw major audiences in non-traditional matchups. The format matters; a boxing ring would favor Diaz’s volume punching and durability, while any hybrid ruleset would set the terms for clinch work and kicks.
Money, market, and matchmaking
This kind of fight hinges on the right backers. A major promoter, a streaming platform with international reach, and a schedule that avoids conflicts would be key. The pricing, undercard depth, and venue could determine whether the event reaches casual fans or remains niche.
- Boxing match: clean storyline, clear rules, strong precedent for crossover sales.
- MMA under a non-UFC banner: greater familiarity for Poirier’s core base, but harder to market without UFC branding.
- Hybrid rules: fresh hook, yet harder to explain and regulate.
Diaz’s negotiating style and Poirier’s veteran status point to careful deal-making. Both have histories of holding out for the right terms. A successful agreement would likely include headline billing, performance-based bonuses, and strong promotional control over the build-up.
Health, legacy, and risk
Poirier has absorbed years of damage against elite competition. A final showdown needs to balance legacy with safety. Diaz is known for cardio and toughness, which can stretch fights into late rounds and raise damage risk in boxing.
For Poirier, a strong performance outside the UFC could secure a legacy win and a major purse. For Diaz, a meeting with a former champion would add credibility to his crossover track. Either outcome would reshape both men’s final chapters.
What fans are saying
Early reaction among fight followers skews positive, with many calling it a “right fight at the right time.” Others question whether a non-UFC bout can deliver the same stakes without a title on the line. A clean rule set, a fair weight class, and transparent promotion would help win skeptics.
What to watch next
Announcements on rules, promoter, and date will set the tone. If it lands as a boxing match at a catchweight, expect a long build with social media face-offs and familiar hype. If a hybrid concept emerges, regulators and commissions will take center stage before the fighters do.
Poirier’s plan for “one more fight” with Diaz, outside the Octagon, is simple to grasp and easy to sell. The final shape—boxing, MMA, or something in between—will decide the scale. If the business lines up, the bout could deliver a strong close to two storied careers while giving fans a clear, decisive sendoff.
