(Editor’s note: This story was updated after Poirier shared on social media that he was fighting again at UFC 299, which was confirmed by his manager.)
In the end, crisis averted.
After Dustin Poirier said earlier Thursday that he was no longer fighting Benoit Saint-Denis, “The Diamond” did an about-face and later posted on X that the fight is back on while apologizing to his followers for a “misunderstanding” on his part.
Earlier in the day, Poirier shared on X that the fight was off and followed up with a statement to MMA Junkie: “There was no contractual agreement before the fight was announced, and we couldn’t come to terms.” This was despite Dana White announcing the bout a few weeks ago.
However, it apparently was all a mix-up on Poirier’s part.
Sorry folks, I jumped the gun, I couldn’t get a hold of my manager for a few days. I just spoke with him and Hunter. Misunderstanding on my part. Fight is on! See you March 9th Miami!!! pic.twitter.com/oPriv0dMQq
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 1, 2024
“Sorry folks, I jumped the gun,” Poirier wrote. “I couldn’t get a hold of my manager for a few days. I just spoke with him and Hunter. Misunderstanding on my part. Fight is on! See you March 9th Miami!!!”
Poirier’s manager, Tiki Ghosn, confirmed to MMA Junkie that the “fight is on” in a text message.
UFC 299 takes place March 9 at Kaseya Center in Miami. The event is headlined by a bantamweight title fight between champion Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera. It now has its co-headliner locked in, with Poirier (29-8 MMA, 21-7 UFC) and Saint-Denis (13-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) scheduled for a five-round lightweight affair.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.