Latest news with #UFC257
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
McGregor addicted to spotlight, 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.
USA Today
27-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Dustin Poirier gives thoughts on Conor McGregor's return, says UFC star is 'addicted to the limelight'
Dustin Poirier casts doubt on Conor McGregor's UFC return. McGregor's most recent two appearances came against Poirier, where he was stopped in both fights. Poirier knocked out McGregor at UFC 257 in January 2021, and capped off their trilogy with another finish at UFC 264, where McGregor broke his leg in a doctor's stoppage TKO loss in July 2021. McGregor hasn't fought since. He was scheduled to return from an almost three-year long layoff against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 this past June, but withdrew after breaking his pinky toe. 'The Notorious' doesn't currently have a fight booked, but has remained busy promoting BKFC and numerous businesses in the meantime. As Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) gears up for his retirement fight, he doesn't see himself linked to a McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) fight ever 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. 'I was his last two fights. That was years ago, and he still hasn't fought. 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.' Poirier did admit that former UFC dual-champion McGregor has a special mindset, which allowed him to become the sport's biggest star. '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.'
