Following his retirement announcement last year, former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has revealed he remains open to stepping back into the Octagon for three marquee bouts. ‘The Diamond’ confirmed on the Weighing In podcast that he would re-enter the USADA testing pool and regain licensure if the UFC seriously pursued a fourth fight with Conor McGregor, while also reiterating interest in clashes with Nate Diaz and Justin Gaethje.
Interest in Nate Diaz showdown
Poirier has made no secret of his desire to finally square off with Nate Diaz, stating he would “put the gloves back on if it meant” lining up that long-anticipated encounter. The pair have traded words over recent months, with Poirier maintaining that a bout against Diaz represents one of the few matchups remaining on his wish list following victory in front of his home crowd during what was expected to be his retirement fight.
Not ruling out Conor McGregor rematch
Despite sitting atop the trilogy head-to-head with two wins from three meetings against Conor McGregor, Poirier said the idea of a fourth chapter would tempt him out of retirement. “If it was realistic and they called me and said, ‘Hey,’ I would probably get back in the drug-testing protocol and get licensed again, yeah,” he told hosts on Weighing In. McGregor, who suffered an injury in the opening seconds of their third fight, is set to return on July 11, and Poirier has refused to dismiss the possibility of rekindling one of MMA’s most storied rivalries.
Eyeing trilogy finish with Justin Gaethje
Poirier also confirmed interest in completing his personal trilogy with Justin Gaethje. The two lightweight contenders each hold knockout victories over the other, and Poirier suggested he would be open to one final meeting to settle the score once and for all. That prospect, alongside Diaz and McGregor, forms a trio of high-profile matchups that could draw Poirier back into competition.
While Poirier remains officially retired, his comments signal an ongoing willingness to revisit the cage for legacy-defining bouts. Whether the UFC will pursue any of these matchups remains to be seen, but ‘The Diamond’ has made it clear he is not closing the door on his fighting career just yet.
FAQ
Which fighters has Dustin Poirier expressed interest in facing?
Poirier has named three potential opponents since retiring: Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje. He stated he would return to active competition to make any of those fights happen.
What did Poirier say about fighting Conor McGregor again?
On the Weighing In podcast, Poirier said he would rejoin the USADA testing pool and regain his licence if the UFC seriously proposed a fourth fight with McGregor, who is due back in the Octagon on July 11.
Why is a fight with Nate Diaz significant for Poirier?
A bout against Nate Diaz represents one of the few high-profile matches left on Poirier’s wishlist. He emphasised that he would even end his retirement to achieve that matchup.
Has Poirier fought Justin Gaethje before?
Yes. Poirier and Gaethje have met twice, each securing a knockout win. Poirier has expressed interest in a third fight to conclude their trilogy.
