Poirier retires from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/dustinpoirier
In addition to provoking Conor McGregor after the Irishman's defeat to Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 , held last Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA), Dustin Poirier once again showed interest in a new chapter of the rivalry. Even with 'Notorious' sidelined due to the serious knee injury suffered at the event, the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) rekindled the possibility of a new chapter in the rivalry, provided the duel takes place in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg).
During an appearance on the UFC On Paramount program 'Deep Waters', the American reiterated that he would have no problem returning to the octagon to face McGregor after his rival's recovery and took the opportunity to send a direct message to his former adversary. Poirier announced his retirement last July after being defeated by Max Holloway.
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"When he's healed, call me, Conor, I'll come back and beat you up again. I'd come back to beat him up again. In the 77 kg category," said 'The Diamond'.
The possibility of a fourth confrontation is noteworthy because it would take place in a different weight class than those in which the rivalry was built. Dustin Poirier won the last two encounters between the athletes, by knockout at UFC 257 and after McGregor's leg fracture at UFC 264 , closing the trilogy with a 2-1 advantage.
Watch the moment of Conor McGregor's serious injury at UFC 329.
🚨 Conor McGregor Injury
🚑 The UFC guide was injured on the right wheel within 3” of starting the fight.
In the images we can see a clear torsion + dynamic roller valgus typical of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. pic.twitter.com/2AdKo5qQFZ
— Ángel Villanueva (@angelphysio) July 12, 2026
What was the rivalry between Conor and Poirier like?
Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor face off before UFC 264. Photo: Reproduction.
The first chapter took place in September 2014, at UFC 178, when both were still competing in the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg). At the time, McGregor was emerging as the organization's great prospect and provoked Poirier throughout the promotion of the fight. Inside the octagon, the Irishman confirmed his status as favorite by knocking out the American with a left cross after only 1 minute and 46 seconds of the first round.
The two only crossed paths again more than six years later, at UFC 257 in January 2021. This time, the atmosphere was completely different; the double champion adopted a respectful stance during fight week. However, 'The Diamond' got his revenge inside the octagon. After punishing his rival's leg with low kicks, the Louisiana native secured a technical knockout in the second round, evening the rivalry.
The defeat made the confrontation even more personal. To promote the trilogy, held at UFC 264 in July 2021, 'Notorious' abandoned his cordial discourse and returned to provocations, even involving the American's family in the insults. The fight was intense, but ended dramatically: in the final seconds of the first round, McGregor suffered a serious leg fracture when he put his body weight on it during an exchange of blows.
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