McGregor addicted to limelight, not fighting: Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier has cast doubt over Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC, questioning whether the former two-division champion is still committed to fighting.

McGregor has not competed since his trilogy bout against Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, where he suffered a broken leg in a doctor’s stoppage TKO loss. Prior to that, Poirier had knocked out McGregor at UFC 257 in January 2021.

The Irish fighter was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 but withdrew due to a broken pinky toe.

Poirier, who is preparing for what he calls his retirement fight, does not expect to share the octagon with McGregor again.

“Nah, because if I fought him again it would just be for the money,” Poirier said on the “Outta Pocket with RGIII” podcast. “It felt so nice – I whipped him twice. It would be just for the money and the money would be incredible. I don’t know if he’s ever going to come back.”

McGregor has remained active in the public eye, promoting businesses and making appearances at events such as Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Poirier believes his former opponent may be more invested in maintaining his celebrity status than making a UFC comeback.

“I was his last two fights. That was years ago, and he still hasn’t fought,” Poirier said. “I just think he’s one of those guys who is addicted to the limelight. He just wants to be in the mix and in social media. Maybe he does come back, but I just think that he has an addiction to the light.”

Despite his scepticism, Poirier acknowledged McGregor’s unique ability to compete at the highest level, should he regain his drive.

“Look, I love to talk trash on Conor, but if anybody can put it all together and come back, if he can find that passion and that fire, and put it together, this guy can,” Poirier said.

“I’m not saying anybody, but this guy can. He’s special. He has something special, but only he knows when he looks in the mirror if he can really do it again. But if he believes it, I believe he could.”

McGregor has yet to announce his next fight, while Poirier continues to prepare for his final bout before stepping away from the sport.