The roar of the crowd, the finality of the decision, the emotional farewell to the Octagon – Dustin Poirier’s retirement earlier this year at UFC 318 felt like a fitting capstone to an illustrious career. Yet, in the volatile world of combat sports, the word “retirement” often carries a silent asterisk. For “The Diamond,” that asterisk has now materialized into a specific, rather compelling, proposition: one last dance, but not in the cage, and against one man only.
That man, unsurprisingly, is Stockton`s own, Nate Diaz. Poirier recently stirred the pot, publicly teasing that a 12-round boxing clash with Diaz is the sole contest capable of luring him back from the tranquility of post-fight life. It’s a declaration that speaks volumes about the lingering ambition and the competitive embers that still glow within the former interim champion.
A Rivalry Forged in Frustration
To understand the gravity of Poirier`s call-out, one must rewind to UFC 230. What was meant to be a pivotal co-main event at Madison Square Garden between these two pugilistic titans dissolved under circumstances still debated today. Accusations flew, animosity festered, and a legitimate grudge match became the fight that got away. For Poirier, this un-fought battle has long been cited as one of the few regrets in a career otherwise devoid of second guesses. The narrative writes itself: two highly respected, fiercely independent fighters, perpetually at odds, never getting to settle their score.
Diaz`s Unfiltered Retort: “Not Allowed”
As expected, the challenge did not go unnoticed by Diaz. Known for his candid, unfiltered social media presence, the Stockton native delivered a response that was quintessentially him. Eschewing politeness or prolonged contemplation, Diaz shut down the notion with characteristic bluntness:
“I’d beat your a— but you’re not allowed. PS you’re checked out already.”
A succinct dismissal, delivered with the casual venom only Diaz seems to master. It`s a statement that simultaneously acknowledges Poirier`s desire while erecting a rather personal, almost arbitrary, barrier to entry. The subtext is clear: if this hypothetical boxing ring is Diaz’s domain, then Poirier, despite his decorated career, might not be granted a pass.
The “Not Allowed” Clause: Gatekeeping or Psychological Warfare?
Diaz`s pronouncement of Poirier being “not allowed” is fascinating. Is it a genuine reflection of Diaz’s self-appointed gatekeeping role within the fledgling Zuffa Boxing landscape, or merely a sophisticated piece of psychological warfare? Diaz himself has been quite active in the boxing realm since his departure from the UFC, engaging in high-profile bouts. Perhaps he views Poirier, fresh off a UFC retirement, as not having yet paid his dues in the sweet science to warrant a clash with him. Or, more likely, it’s simply Nate Diaz being Nate Diaz – a master of the dismissive jab, both verbal and physical, aimed squarely at undermining his opponent’s perceived standing.
The “PS you’re checked out already” line adds another layer to the barb. It implies that Poirier, having mentally moved past competitive fighting, lacks the necessary edge or hunger for a true challenge. A subtle, yet pointed, accusation designed to get under the skin of any professional athlete.
The Enduring Allure of Unfinished Business
This exchange underscores a fundamental truth in combat sports: some rivalries refuse to fade. They become embedded in the collective memory, gaining legendary status precisely because they were never fully resolved. The idea of Poirier vs. Diaz, even in a boxing format, represents a compelling “what if” scenario that fans have clamored for years. The transition from the Octagon to the boxing ring, potentially under the banner of Zuffa Boxing, offers a new playground for these long-simmering feuds.
For now, however, it appears Stockton`s finest has slammed the door shut, at least metaphorically. While Dustin Poirier may be “checked out” from the UFC, the specter of a clash with Nate Diaz certainly isn`t. The boxing ring might be the final frontier for settling old scores, but only, it seems, if Nate Diaz deems you “allowed” to enter.
