Following his exit from the UFC, Dustin Poirier has considered crossing over into boxing, a path many former MMA fighters have taken. After UFC 318, questions arose about whether Poirier would face Jake Paul in the ring, sparking discussion around the possibility and challenges of such a matchup, particularly concerning their size difference.
Dustin Poirier’s Reflection on a Potential Fight with Jake Paul
Dustin Poirier, a veteran of nearly two decades in professional MMA and a respected figure ranked among UFC’s elite athletes, has expressed mixed feelings about fighting Jake Paul in boxing. In an interview, Poirier acknowledged Paul’s hard work and success outside traditional combat sports, recognizing Paul’s unique approach to training and promotion. However, Poirier pointed out a significant physical disadvantage, noting that Paul is considerably bigger.
I don’t know, …I don’t know [on fighting Paul] You know, respect to everything he’s built. He is really out there training hard, fighting hard, going against the grain, and doing it his way. I respect the business part of what he’s doing, and the fighting part…But I’ve been around Jake a couple times, he’s a lot bigger than me, [and much] by a good bit…
—Dustin Poirier in an exclusive with * The Danza Project * w/@indanzawetrust on YouTube Weekly
Poirier’s hesitation reflects the contrast between his UFC fighting weight—never above 155 pounds—and Paul’s long-standing status as a cruiserweight and even heavyweight. Paul has competed hydrated at heavyweight, including a high-profile bout against Mike Tyson, underscoring the physical and stylistic gaps between the two fighters. Given these factors and Poirier’s recent retirement plans, a boxing match appears unlikely.
The Final UFC Chapter and Retirement Considerations
At UFC 318, Poirier prepared for what many believe is his final performance inside the octagon, facing Max Holloway for the BMF title. With a baby boy on the way and a contemplative mindset about his career, Poirier is ready to step away from the UFC spotlight. His decision contrasts with fighters like Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz, who have transitioned to boxing bouts against Jake Paul after their MMA careers.
Despite Paul’s notoriety in boxing and ability to generate significant paydays, Poirier has expressed no interest in taking what he considers “sideshow payday-type” fights. His legacy in the UFC, combined with a warrior mentality, guides his choice to seek retirement rather than pursue crossover fights that may not align with his position or goals.
The History Between Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz
Leading up to UFC 318, tension resurfaced between Poirier and Nate Diaz, a longtime rival and fellow prominent UFC lightweight. Their rivalry has deep roots, tracing back to a canceled bout at UFC 230 in 2018, which was set to take place at Madison Square Garden. Excitement surrounded the matchup as it was considered a potential headliner and possibly linked to a new weight class. However, Diaz’s withdrawal due to injury and his unpredictable behavior caused the fight’s cancellation.
Poirier revealed that despite his own injury, he would have fought Diaz if the original fight date had remained, but the UFC decided otherwise. The animosity between the two extended to social media, where mutual insults have continued to stir controversy in the lead-up to Poirier’s retirement bout. Diaz called Poirier a “fake a** gangster” after Poirier had labeled him similarly during a hospital stay, further fueling their public feud.
Diaz, who suffered a unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul in August 2023, has since returned to boxing and recently secured a majority decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in a fan-sponsored event. Even though he has completed his UFC contract, Diaz has not closed the door on returning to the octagon, keeping the possibility of future clashes with Poirier alive.
Implications of Size and Legacy in Potential Matchups
A significant factor restraining the idea of Poirier boxing Jake Paul revolves around the stark size difference. Poirier has maintained competition at 155 pounds throughout his career, while Paul has established himself in the cruiserweight and even heavyweight divisions. Paul’s ability to hydrate up to heavyweight for his fights differentiates their physical profiles, making a fair and competitive matchup challenging to arrange.
For Poirier, who is concluding a storied MMA journey and focusing on family life, size and legacy considerations take precedence over potential financial gains from crossover bouts. His decision to not follow other MMA veterans into high-profile boxing events underscores his intent to preserve his competitive integrity and exit on his terms.
Looking Ahead: What Poirier’s Choices Mean for Combat Sports
Dustin Poirier’s retirement decision and reluctance to engage in boxing with Jake Paul mark an important moment in combat sports, highlighting the complex dynamics athletes face when transitioning between disciplines. His stance contrasts with other former UFC stars who have embraced boxing matches against Paul, offering a differing model that prioritizes legacy and personal readiness over commercial appeal.
While Jake Paul continues to expand his influence in boxing and generate debates among fans and purists, Poirier’s reflections bring nuance to the conversation about athlete crossover. With his focus shifting to family and retirement, Poirier closes a significant chapter while still commanding respect for his achievements within MMA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. In 2025, Poirier’s wealth is predicted to be around $10 million. He has wisely managed his money by securing major sponsorships from brands such as Venum. Additionally, he supports communities in need through his charity, “The Good Fight Foundation.”