Poirier rips into Diaz after rough showing against Perry

Dustin Poirier has mixed feelings about a potential fight with Nate Diaz following Diaz’s performance against Mike Perry at Rousey vs. Carano on Netflix.

Diaz (21–14) took heavy punishment for nearly 10 minutes from Perry (15–8) on Saturday before his corner stopped the fight after Round 2. Afterward, Diaz dismissed any talk of retirement, saying he won’t walk away “crying,” taking a shot at Poirier, who retired last July.

Poirier and Diaz have been linked to a fight for years. They were officially scheduled to meet in November 2018, but the bout never happened. Since then, both fighters have offered different explanations as to why.

“The Diamond” has repeatedly said that the only fight that would bring him out of retirement is a grudge match with Diaz. While he still stands by that, he admits Diaz’s recent performance has made the fight less appealing.

“We could’ve fought. He knows that. I just wish he’d be honest with the fans and admit that he pulled out or couldn’t come to terms with the UFC—whatever the reason was during those times we were supposed to fight and it didn’t happen,” Poirier said on Paramount’s Deep Waters podcast. “But honestly, after the way he looked on Saturday night, he shouldn’t be talking right now. He needs a break. He needs rest—not me. He looked terrible. Like he didn’t even want to be in there. Like a punching bag. He was off balance, his timing was off. I don’t like to go too hard on someone after a loss, but he knows.”

“It’s crazy that he’s bringing me up after a fight. Clearly, he still wants it or is thinking about it. But after a performance like that, going after Nate Diaz now feels like picking on someone—like chasing an easy fight, an easy win. Still, Nate Diaz, if we fight, I’ll knock you out cold.”