Former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier contemplated retirement from MMA last month, but it seems that now he is eager to return to the Octagon. “The Diamond” has listed several potential opponents for his next bout, rekindling his passion for the sport. Last month, Poirier gave UFC Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev his toughest fight at UFC 302 and ended up getting Fight of the Night honors.
The Diamond hints a clash with Diaz
Poirier has hinted at eventually facing Nate Diaz, even if it is in boxing. “The Stockton Slugger” recently defeated Jorge Masvidal in a boxing match via majority decision. The matchup between Poirier and Diaz was initially scheduled in 2018 under the UFC banner but never happened. However, Poirier is still skeptical about the promotion’s willingness to associate with Diaz due to past difficulties.
“The last time I brought his name up they didn’t want to talk about him, they didn’t want to do business. A lot of fans don’t know behind the scenes he is so difficult to handle, I think they just don’t want to do it anymore,” said Poirer during a podcast with Anik and Florian.
Jon Anik asked Poirier about his next opponent, taking names like Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor, Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje and Colby Covington. To which Poirier confidently responded with, “100% yeah, If I fight again it will definitely be one of the guys.”
Dustin Poirier doesn’t want to leave the sport with a loss
Poirier admitted a change in motivation as his goal of becoming the undisputed UFC champion seems out of reach. The 35-year-old reflected on his mindset and stated that the change has to be internal in terms of motivation for fighting because, after the contest with Makhachev, he thought maybe that was it. Despite these thoughts, Poirier’s desire to compete remains strong. He revealed that when a couple of weeks went by and the injuries started to come down, he felt like he had to do it again. Poirier stressed the fact that he has never lost two consecutive fights and can’t leave the sport with a loss. “I just want to get my hand raised and leave this sport with a win,” said Poirier.
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