Retirement may not be the final chapter of Dustin Poirier’s remarkable UFC career after all.
Less than a year after leaving his gloves inside the Octagon, the former interim lightweight champion has admitted he is open to returning to competition if the UFC presents the right opportunity. More importantly, Poirier has already identified three opponents who could tempt him back for one last run.
The revelation comes during a difficult period in the Louisiana native’s life following a public airport incident that resulted in his arrest and forced him to confront life away from mixed martial arts.
Dustin Poirier leaves the door open for a return
Poirier officially retired following his farewell fight against Max Holloway in 2025, bringing an end to one of the most respected careers in UFC lightweight history.
However, retirement has not completely erased his competitive instincts.
Speaking during a recent interview, Poirier confirmed that he remains under contract with the UFC and believes another fight is still possible.
I’m still under contract with the UFC. There’s definitely a chance. If it’s the right fight, I’ll come back for sure.
While he did not commit to a comeback, his comments made it clear that the possibility remains very real.
Three blockbuster fights interest The Diamond
When asked what could convince him to return, Poirier did not hesitate to name three familiar names.
At the top of his list was longtime rival Conor McGregor, whose return at UFC 329 has already reignited conversations about unfinished rivalries.
I’d probably fight Conor if that came about.
Poirier and McGregor have shared one of the UFC’s biggest rivalries, splitting memorable contests before McGregor suffered a broken leg during their third meeting in 2021.
Poirier also revealed interest in finally facing Nate Diaz, a matchup that never materialized despite years of speculation.
Nate Diaz. I’d come back for that.
The final name was Justin Gaethje, another rival with whom Poirier shares one victory each.
Me and Gaethje are 1 1. That needs closure too.
All three matchups carry significant history, making them logical choices if the UFC ever attempts to bring Poirier out of retirement.
Retirement has not been easy
Although Dustin Poirier stepped away from fighting believing it was the right decision, adjusting to life outside competition has not been straightforward.
In recent interviews, he admitted there are days when he still feels capable of competing with the world’s best lightweights.
That competitive drive appears to remain strong despite spending more time with his family and pursuing opportunities outside fighting.
His latest comments suggest retirement has provided perspective, but not necessarily complete satisfaction.
A difficult period outside the Octagon
Dustin Poirier’s comeback comments arrive only weeks after one of the toughest periods of his personal life.
The former UFC star was arrested following an airport incident in Georgia after appearing intoxicated in public. He later acknowledged the situation publicly and accepted responsibility for his actions.
Poirier admitted he has no interest in revisiting the body camera footage from the incident.
He also revealed the consequences have extended beyond legal issues, saying the arrest has already cost him sponsorships and professional opportunities, while potentially putting his analyst role with Paramount at risk.
Rather than making excuses, Poirier has spoken openly about learning from the experience as he works to move forward.
Could McGregor’s return change everything?
The timing of Poirier’s comments is particularly interesting with McGregor preparing to make his long awaited return against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
Should McGregor emerge victorious after five years away from the sport, demand for another fight between the Irish superstar and Poirier would almost certainly grow.
Despite already owning a 2 1 advantage in their rivalry, Poirier appears more than willing to share the Octagon with McGregor once again if the opportunity arises.
For now, Poirier insists he remains retired. However, his latest comments make one thing clear. If the UFC offers a fight against McGregor, Nate Diaz, or Justin Gaethje, fans may not have seen the last walk to the Octagon from one of the most beloved lightweights of his generation.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates.
