Dustin Poirier Slams Conor McGregor While Also Calling for a 4th Fight Inside the Octagon

Dustin Poirier reignites Conor McGregor rivalry after the UFC 329 disappointment and calls for a fourth fight.

Dustin Poirier Slams Conor McGregor While Also Calling for a 4th Fight Inside the Octagon

Dustin Poirier trolls Conor McGregor (via MMA Fighting, BBC)

Over 14 years in the UFC, Dustin Poirier built a career defined by several memorable rivalries against the sport’s biggest names. His fiercest rivalry remains the trilogy with Conor McGregor, which ended with the infamous UFC 264 injury stoppage. Now, Poirier has taken fresh shots at McGregor following the Irish superstar’s disappointing injury-stoppage loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329.

Poirier and McGregor first met at UFC 178 in 2014, where McGregor earned a first-round knockout victory in their featherweight clash. Poirier leveled the rivalry at UFC 257 with a second-round knockout after repeatedly attacking McGregor’s lead leg during the rematch. Their trilogy ended controversially when McGregor suffered a broken leg, resulting in a doctor’s stoppage victory for the Louisiana native.

McGregor’s long-awaited UFC comeback lasted just 69 seconds after he suffered a serious knee injury against Holloway at UFC 329. The bout was waved off after the Irishman landed awkwardly in the opening exchanges, ending his return with an injury stoppage. Soon afterward, Poirier mocked the setback while calling for a fourth fight, insisting he would even come out of retirement to face McGregor again.

That injury couldn’t have happened to a better guy. I saw earlier this week, ‘Karma is a mirror,’ and it definitely is. This guy is a dirtbag. I don’t know if it was nervous energy. I don’t know why he would start a fight like that. They’re saying this was planned to start the fight, like training to open the fight like that with this jump kick. But I just don’t understand why he would. Whenever he is healed up, hit me up, Conor. I’ll come back and whip you again. I would come back to whip him again. At 170.

Dustin Poirier via UFC on Paramount

The rivalry reached its peak before UFC 264 as McGregor repeatedly targeted Poirier with trash talk throughout the buildup. Even after suffering a broken leg, McGregor remained seated in the Octagon, continuing to insult Poirier and his wife. He was eventually placed on a stretcher and taken from the arena.

Despite retiring from competition, ‘The Diamond’ has made it clear his dislike for McGregor has never faded. Their rivalry extended beyond the Octagon through years of personal disputes and public exchanges. McGregor’s UFC 329 setback reignited those emotions, prompting Poirier to troll his rival.

McGregor, meanwhile, has shown greater respect toward Poirier in recent years despite their bitter rivalry. After Poirier retired at UFC 318 in 2025, McGregor publicly praised the former interim lightweight champion’s career and accomplishments. His support marked a notable shift from their previous hostility.

Not every McGregor rival has criticized him following UFC 329. Michael Chandler defended the Irishman, pointing to his lasting impact on the sport despite the setback. The pair were scheduled to fight at UFC 303 after coaching opposite each other on TUF 31, but McGregor withdrew due to a toe injury.

Poirier’s dislike for McGregor has remained unchanged despite both fighters entering different stages of their careers. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has confirmed surgery while targeting another UFC comeback. Whether that return eventually leads to a potential fourth fight with Dustin Poirier remains to be seen.

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Dustin Poirier recently found himself at the center of controversy following his arrest at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The former UFC star was taken into custody after becoming disruptive when denied boarding a flight. He was charged with public intoxication after the incident.

Following the arrest, Poirier openly discussed his battles with alcoholism and mental health after retiring from the UFC. He also revealed his father was homeless and struggled with alcoholism for years, explaining how those family hardships deeply affected him throughout his life.

Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor being friendly with Dustin Poirier ahead of their second fight [via The Sun]

Conor McGregor later addressed Poirier’s arrest, criticizing his response and urging him to accept personal responsibility. He also questioned Poirier’s decision to reference his father’s struggles after the incident. Despite that, the Irish star wished Poirier well and spoke positively about his family.

Poirier has repeatedly dismissed McGregor’s support, instead continuing to insult and troll his longtime rival. After UFC 329, he initially criticized McGregor over the injury stoppage and its aftermath. However, Poirier also defended his former opponent after online trolls labeled McGregor a quitter.

I just don’t think he’s a quitter like that. I say a lot of bad stuff about him, but a quitter, I’m not sure. He’s a real competitor and wants to win. And I doubt he needed the money… it’s not like he was showing up for a paycheck.

Dustin Poirier via THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas

Poirier’s latest comments reflect the complicated nature of his relationship with ‘The Notorious One’ after years of rivalry. Despite their public clashes, he has occasionally defended his former opponent when criticism went too far. Their feud remains one of the UFC’s longest-running storylines.

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