Dustin Poirier breaks silence on withdrawal from UFC 230 fight with Nate Diaz

Earlier this week, the MMA community was rocked by the unfortunate news that Dustin Poirier had been forced out of his UFC 230 scrap with Nate Diaz. Shortly thereafter, we learned that the UFC would not be giving Diaz a replacement opponent for the November 3 card, and that he was off the card too. Given that this was arguably the best fight on the UFC 230 bill, this was massively disappointing news.

Speaking on Twitter on Thursday evening, Dustin Poirier issued his first statement since his withdrawal from the card. While he did not specify what kind of injury he sustained, he assured he considers this a “minor” setback, and that he’s working hard to heal up quickly.

Small setbacks happen.. I’m flying out to LA next week to get a second opinion on my injury and I’ll have an idea of when I can return to compete, I can’t wait to get back in the Octagon!!

Thank you all for the support 🙏

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) October 11, 2018

“Small setbacks happen,” Dustin Poirier said of his injury on Thursday. “I’m flying out to LA next week to get a second opinion on my injury and I’ll have an idea of when I can return to compete, I can’t wait to get back in the Octagon! Thank you all for the support”

Dustin Poirier is currently on a four-fight win-streak, and is 8-1 since returning to the UFC lightweight division. Although Tony Ferguson’s recent return to prominence has made things a little complicated, Poirier is easily one of the top contenders, if not the top contender in the talent-packed weight class. Highlights of his recent run include defeats of Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, Jim Miller, Bobby Green, Joe Duffy, and Yancy Medeiros. He’s a strong 24-5 overall.

When Dustin Poirier is healthy enough to return to the cage, who would you like to see him fight? Do you think the UFC will be able to re-book his fight with Nate Diaz?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 10/12/2018.