HOUSTON – Dustin Poirier is ready to fight.
Poirier, the former UFC interim lightweight champion, is waiting for an offer for his next bout. He just needs a date, opponent and location, which the UFC has yet to offer. However, he has an opponent in mind for his return.
When speaking with MMA Junkie outside of Toyota Center before UFC 247 on Saturday, Poirier (25-6 MMA, 17-5 UFC) explained the challenge he issued to Nate Diaz on Twitter.
“I spoke to Sean (Shelby) last night,” Poirier said. “I know that they offered him this fight in California in May or International Fight Week, so we’ll see. We’ll see if he takes it, but the offer is out there.”
He later added, “I think they told me they were going to give him two weeks. If they didn’t hear, they’re going to move on from it. We’ll see. I don’t know exactly what’s going on with the whole thing.”
The history between Poirier and Diaz is well documented. The two were scheduled to fight at UFC 230 in November 2018. However, Poirier withdrew from the bout due to injury, and Diaz elected not to remain on the card.
“Last time was a mess,” Poirier said. “I don’t care what he says, he knows the truth. It was a mess. They were offering me Kevin Lee as a replacement, and it just fell apart. I don’t know. If he says ‘yes,’ I expect him to show up.”
In the meantime, there aren’t many other options that excite Poirier.
“Maybe if they offered me one of those names, it’d be exciting,” Poirier said. “As of right now, just talking about it? Nah, it’s not that exciting honestly.”
Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz face off in August 2018.
Regardless of what’s next, Poirier is heading back to American Top Team after UFC 247. He said he’s been training for about a month and will continue to do so until he gets officially booked.
“I’m able to fight right now,” Poirier said. “I feel good. I’ve been back at American Top Team now going on a month. From here, I’m going straight back there. I’m staying there until I fight. I don’t know what’s coming or what’s next, but I’m going to start preparing for it.”
Check out MMA Junkie’s full interview with Poirier in the video above.
Dustin Poirier says Nate Diaz 'knows the truth' about why 2018 booking fell apart