Dustin Poirier returns to training seven months after retirement amid potential UFC comeback

Dustin Poirier has been spotted back at the gym only seven months after losing to Max Holloway in his retirement fight.

‘The Diamond’ had announced before facing Holloway in his native New Orleans that it would be the last fight of his illustrious 14-year UFC spell.

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Poirier was soundly beaten over the five rounds, with Holloway claiming a unanimous decision win to defend the BMF title at UFC 318.

In the weeks following his retirement, Poirier seemed content upon landing a new job as a desk analyst for UFC 319.

However, the 37-year-old left fans concerned two months later when he admitted ‘a part of me has died’ when telling fans how badly he missed the sport ‘every day from the moment my eyes open.’

Poirier has since hinted at reversing his retirement decision, talking about accepting fights with names like Nate Diaz and Justin Gaethje, but that has been dismissed by the MMA world as a fighter naturally missing the game.

However, this week, the former UFC lightweight title challenger has given fans reason to believe he might actually make a return.

In a video posted by UFC flyweight Cody Durden, alongside lightweight star Mateusz Gamrot, Poirier can be seen with the gloves on after a training session at American Top Team (ATT).

Poirier also posted a photo on social media from his gym, captioned: “Getting beat up over here.”

It’s safe to say Poirier’s appearance back at ATT has prompted quite the reaction, with some fans now anticipating the American to fight at the UFC’s blockbuster White House card this summer.

Responding to the footage of him back at training, one fan wrote: “Honestly, wouldn’t be surprised if he’s on the White House card.”

Another said: “Would love to see Dustin make one more run.”

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A third added: “I’m telling you guys, he might have stolen the Conor [McGregor] fight from [Michael] Chandler.”

While a fourth said: “Dustin v Conor 4 at the White House?!”

Who could Dustin Poirier fight?

Poirier was still at the peak of his powers when he retired from MMA last summer.

It was only 13 months before his defeat to Holloway that he almost went the distance with UFC lightweight champion at the time Islam Makhachev, succumbing to a d’arce choke in the final round.

This came after he stopped top-ranked lightweight fighter Benoit Saint Denis, who moved up to No. 5 with his victory over Dan Hooker at UFC 325.

So there’s no doubt Poirier has the ability to return and fight someone high up the rankings, but equally, he’s only likely to be after the big names.

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Suggestions from fans that the UFC brass could book Poirier vs McGregor 4 are not unreasonable.

After all, Poirier was the last person to fight him in the UFC, and after knocking out the Irishman at UFC 257, the pair’s trilogy ended in disaster when McGregor shattered his leg after only five minutes.

McGregor hasn’t been seen in the Octagon since, but has reiterated his desire to return at the White House event several times.

With UFC president Dana White seemingly ruling out McGregor-Chandler and McGregor vs another All-American in Colby Covington, a fight to properly wrap up the rivalry with Poirier is not out of the question.

Diaz could also be an option, with the Stockton slugger this week revealing his interest in returning to action to fight for the promotion’s BMF title.