Michael Bisping explains why setting up "absolute classic" Dustin Poirier vs Nate Diaz would be "a smart business move"
Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz recently exchanged words on social media, leading the No.2-ranked lightweight to ask Diaz to return for one fight. UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping chimed in, sharing why he believes that the UFC should make the fight.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former UFC middleweight champion stated:
"What Dustin Poirier suggests isn't a bad idea. Of course, it would mean the UFC would have to come on board and offer a one fight deal. I don't know if they would do that or not, but the fan in me hypothetically looks at that. Dustin Poirier, Nate Diaz. I know a lot of the UFC fans would get a kick out of that. They would be up for that in a heartbeat."
Bisping continued:
"I guarantee you that would do massive pay-per-view buys. Nate Diaz is a big star... Dustin Poirier, I mean come on, everyone loves Dustin Poirier. Dustin Poirier versus Nate Diaz sounds like a smart business move. I don't know if the UFC are in the habit or the business of handing out one fight contracts... but Nate Diaz versus Dustin Poirier would be an absolute classic."
Despite their back-and-forth on social media, a fight between Poirier and Diaz remains unlikely for now, as the latter is no longer with the UFC. While the fight would generate plenty of interest among fans of the sport, Diaz seems unlikely to rejoin the promotion, at the present moment.
Watch Michael Bisping discuss the back-and-forth between Poirier and Diaz below (starting at the 4:50 mark):
Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz trade words on social media
Dustin Poirier was involved in a Twitter back-and-forth with Conor McGregor, in which the rivals teased a potential tetralogy fight. Former UFC star Nate Diaz, who is also rivals with McGregor, chimed in, stating:
"You both get knocked out all the time😴"
In response, the No.2-ranked lightweight issued a scathing response in which he called Diaz out for a fight, stating:
"Come back for 1 fight and I'll beat the shit outta you bruh @NateDiaz209"
The two fighters were set to meet in 2018, however, Poirier was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury. Diaz is currently a mixed martial arts free agent and it is unknown if he would be open to returning for one fight. Furthermore, he has launched his own fight promotion, Real Fight Inc. It is unclear if the UFC would agree to a cross-promotional bout, which is something they have been reluctant to do in the past. Diaz's stardom and the fact that he is not signed to a rival promotion, however, could make it easier for the UFC to get on board.
Check out the Twitter exchange between Poirier and Diaz below:
You both get knocked out all the time 😴 https://t.co/b73xW5M79c
Come back for 1 fight and I'll beat the shit outta you bruh @NateDiaz209 twitter.com/espnmma/status…