Poirier: 'I Still Want to Whip Nate Diaz's Ass' - Retirement on Hold?

The world of combat sports is never truly quiet, even for its retired legends. Just when we thought **Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier** had hung up his gloves after a storied career, the former interim lightweight champion has ignited a spark that could set the fight world ablaze once more. Poirier recently declared his unwavering desire to finally face off against the enigmatic **Nate Diaz**, a grudge match that has simmered for years, stemming from a famously scrapped encounter.

"Man, I still want to whip Nate's ass," Poirier candidly stated, revealing that the thought of this particular showdown could coax him out of his hard-earned retirement. This isn't just a casual call-out; it's a deep-seated grievance rooted in a miscommunication and perceived slight from their ill-fated booking. For fans of high-stakes, bad-blood rivalries, Poirier's words are music to the ears, promising fireworks if this dream matchup ever materializes.

The Lingering Grudge: UFC 230 and Beyond

The animosity between Poirier and Diaz traces back to **UFC 230 in November 2018**, an event at the iconic Madison Square Garden where they were initially slated to clash. The fight, a highly anticipated lightweight contest, was ultimately called off due to a hip injury sustained by Poirier. However, the narrative surrounding the cancellation became a point of contention for "The Diamond," who asserts that Diaz and a segment of the fanbase unfairly painted him as the one who pulled out.

Poirier clarifies that while he did indeed suffer an injury, his refusal to compete stemmed from the UFC's attempts to offer him alternative opponents. "The UFC knew I was going to fight Nate in our first matchup at Madison Square Garden, but Nate was having trouble with his negotiation," Poirier explained. "They started offering me other people, and I said, 'Listen, if it's not Nate, I'm not fighting.'" He was insistent: it was Diaz or nothing. When the promotion couldn't secure Diaz, Poirier opted to address his hip injury, a decision that, in his view, was twisted into him backing out of the event entirely. This historical context fuels his current desire to set the record straight inside the octagon.

Diaz's Detour: A New Chapter Outside the Octagon

While Poirier's fighting spirit remains keen for a specific target, **Nate Diaz** has embarked on a different path since his departure from the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The Stockton bad boy is currently gearing up for a high-profile mixed martial arts bout against fellow former UFC standout **Mike Perry**. This intriguing clash is set to headline MVP's inaugural MMA card, streaming live on Netflix from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on **May 16**. Diaz's venture into new platforms highlights his independent spirit and willingness to explore opportunities beyond the UFC banner.

This shift, however, complicates any potential reunion with Poirier in the UFC. For this long-awaited grudge match to happen, significant hurdles would need to be cleared, primarily involving Diaz's contractual status and a potential return to the promotion that made him a global superstar. The fan demand for a Poirier vs. Diaz showdown remains palpable, a true clash of styles and personalities that promises chaotic striking exchanges and relentless pressure, likely contested at welterweight if it ever came to fruition.

What's Next for the Diamond and the Stockton Slugger?

The prospect of Dustin Poirier coming out of retirement for one specific, high-profile fight against Nate Diaz is a testament to the enduring power of rivalries in combat sports. While Diaz is focused on his upcoming May 16th bout with Mike Perry, Poirier's declaration keeps the flame alive for a dream matchup that could deliver explosive action and finally settle years of unresolved tension. Will the UFC, or another major promotion, manage to orchestrate this fan-favorite spectacle? Only time will tell if "The Diamond" gets his wish to finally "whip Nate's ass" and if Diaz will be willing to step back into the octagon to answer the call. The combat world watches with bated breath, hoping for one more chapter in this compelling saga.