As the curtains prepare to close on one of the UFC`s most illustrious careers, a familiar, unconventional voice has emerged from the shadows to offer a decidedly unique farewell. Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier, a Louisiana native and fan favorite, is set to make his final walk to the octagon this Saturday at UFC 318, headlining against Max Holloway for the coveted BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title in his hometown of New Orleans.
While most of the mixed martial arts world offers heartfelt tributes and well wishes for Poirier`s retirement bout, Stockton`s own Nate Diaz has opted for a different, distinctly “Diaz” approach. Known for his unfiltered commentary and willingness to speak his mind, Diaz chose the eve of Poirier`s emotional send-off to revisit a piece of unfinished business from their shared past.
A Blast from the Past: The Canceled Encounter
The genesis of Diaz`s parting shot dates back to November 2018, when a highly anticipated clash between Diaz and Poirier was scheduled for UFC 230. Fate, however, intervened in the form of a hip injury for Poirier, forcing him to withdraw from the bout. At the time, such a withdrawal was a significant blow, particularly given the buzz surrounding a potential Diaz return to action.
In a recent social media post that instantly went viral, Diaz recalled the incident with his characteristic bluntness: “How about when DP pulled out of fight with me to get p*ssy surgery.” This raw, unvarnished comment, while controversial to some, is quintessential Diaz. It serves not just as a remembrance of a canceled fight but as a final, public airing of a grievance, delivered with the timing of a master provocateur.
The Diamond`s Journey and the Unfulfilled Rivalry
Following the unfortunate cancellation, Dustin Poirier`s career trajectory soared. He returned to the octagon mere months later, capturing the interim lightweight title by defeating Max Holloway in their first encounter at UFC 236. His subsequent battles against the sport`s elite, including a legendary war with Justin Gaethje and a pair of high-profile clashes with Conor McGregor, solidified his status as a perennial contender and a true warrior.
Despite Poirier`s subsequent successes and his often-expressed desire to reschedule the fight with Diaz, the paths of these two fan-favorite pugilists never converged again. The Diaz-Poirier bout remained one of MMA`s tantalizing “what-ifs,” a contest that promised fireworks but was destined never to ignite. Diaz`s recent comment, therefore, acts as a curious epilogue to this unwritten chapter, a final, unrequited taunt that ensures the ghost of their potential clash lingers, even as Poirier steps away.
The Enduring Appeal of the Unfiltered Fighter
Nate Diaz`s commentary is a reflection of a bygone era in combat sports, one where professional decorum often takes a backseat to raw, unadulterated emotion and long-held grudges. His ability to cut through the often-sanitized media narratives with a single, biting remark is precisely what has endeared him to millions. It’s a stark reminder that even in retirement, the narrative of a fighter`s career is often shaped not just by wins and losses, but by the indelible marks left by rivals, both realized and imagined.
As Dustin Poirier prepares to embrace a new chapter, Diaz`s final, characteristic jab ensures that “The Diamond`s” exit is anything but quiet. It`s a fittingly chaotic, slightly absurd, and undeniably memorable farewell from one of the sport`s most singular personalities to another, proving that in the world of fight sports, some rivalries—even those that never fully materialized—can resonate long after the final bell.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham