For a very brief moment on Tuesday night, it looked as if the UFC may have introduced a brand new weight class of 165-pounds with Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier fighting for the inaugural title.
First, Diaz ‘announced’ through his social media that the UFC had made his UFC 230 co-main bout a five round main event for a brand new world title.
“I’m Happy to announce that I’m bringing a new weight [division] to the UFC,” Diaz wrote on Twitter. “I’ll be fighting the main event November 3rd in NYC against Dustin Poirier for the first ever 165lb belt superfighter [division]. I’m happy to be apart of history.”
Then, almost immediately after that statement, Poirier made one of his own, apparently confirming Diaz’ comments, and writing: “Its been a long journey but here we are. NYC 1st ever 165lb Title in the UFC!”
I’m Happy to announce that I’m bringing a new weight devision to the Ufc
I’ll be fighting the main event November 3rd in nyc against Dustin Poirier for the first ever 165lb belt superfighter devision
I’m happy to be apart of history @ufc @danawhite— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) September 26, 2018
Its been a long journey but here we are. NYC 1st ever 165lb Title in the UFC! #THEREWILLBEBLOOD #THUGJITSU
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 26, 2018
However just a short while after the tweets were posted, various MMA journalists, including ESPN’s Brett Okamoto and MMAJunkie’s John Morgan revealed the UFC had refuted the claims, and UFC president Dana White had nixed the idea of the new division and world title.
Well, was hoping to be able to confirm Poirier-Diaz for the UFC 230 headliner but was told by a company official that it’s the “farthest thing from the truth.”
— John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) September 26, 2018
Just spoke to Dana White on the phone, he denied any plans of a 165-pound title fight at Madison Square Garden. Says he’s still working on a main event for UFC 230.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 26, 2018
As of yet, UFC 230 has no main event announced, with the promotion still apparently hoping to find a new contest worthy of being the headlining act at Madison Square Garden.
