Nate Diaz Issues Response To Dustin Poirier's Callout: F**k A Weight Class

Mandatory Credit: Esther Lin - MMA Fighting

Ahead of a speculated lightweight division return for Stockton fan-favourite, Nate Diaz, the veteran has issued a response to an old call out from former interim UFC lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier, claiming he's still a welterweight "Nick Diaz Army soldier", but also quipped "f**k a weight class". 

Diaz, who was linked with a return to the 155-pound division for the first time since December of 2015, seems to have different plans for his Octagon comeback, despite UFC president Dana White detailing how the promotion was actively working on a lightweight return for the Californian against an unnamed opponent, in a pairing which could offer him a route to the title. 

For Poirier, he was initially linked with the Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt back at UFC 230 in an anticipated matchup, until a niggling hip injury forced him from proceedings ahead of the Madison Square Garden bout. 

Diaz would subsequently sit out until August of 2019, returning at UFC 241 in Anaheim with a unanimous decision win over common-foe, former undisputed UFC and WEC lightweight champion, recent PFL acquisition, Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis. 

Forced from the grudge matchup with Diaz, Poirier, who like the Californian improved his overall record against former two-weight world champion, Conor McGregor to 1-1 last weekend at UFC 257 -- detailed afterwards how he would be interested in a rubber-match against the Dubliner, as well as a reworked matchup with Diaz. 

Seemingly entering the sweepstakes for a clash with number-one ranked contender, Diaz responded to an old video of Poirier in a hospital bed after hip surgery, in which the Lafayette native hits back at Diaz's prior accusation that the entire UFC was using performance-enhancing drugs. "Talking all that sh*t about steroids, "Poirier said. "F**k you, Nate (Diaz)." Responding, Diaz claimed Poirier's statement was "fighting words", "so f**k a weight class".

These are fighting words tho
So fuck a weight class 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/o1H61zQIy6

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) February 2, 2021

Tentatively linked with a BMF championship re-run against UFC 244 foe, Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal, it's believed the promotion has certainly put that rematch on the backburner, with Masvidal consistently tied to a grudge match against former American Top Team teammate, Colby Covington -- which has so far also failed to materialise.