Conor McGregor is embarking on a demanding path to recovery following a severe knee injury sustained during his UFC 329 fight against Max Holloway. The 38-year-old fighter has publicly committed through social media to make a comeback in the Octagon after undergoing surgery to mend his injured right knee. This will also allow him to conclude the final fight of his UFC contract.
If this fight marks McGregor’s retirement, several fighters are eager to face him in what could be a notable event. Contenders such as Max Holloway, Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz, Justin Gaethje, and Ilia Topuria promise to attract significant attention. However, McGregor might have a particular interest in facing one familiar opponent: Dustin Poirier.
Dustin Poirier, who is 37 years old, retired after his UFC 318 bout with Max Holloway for the “BMF” championship. Despite this, Poirier has recently expressed interest in a possible fourth match against McGregor. He indicated that such a fight could draw him out of retirement.
Whenever he is healed up, hit me up, Conor,” Poirier said, according to MMA Junkie. “I’ll come back and whip you again. I’d come back to whip him again — at 170.
The two fighters have a history, having faced off three times before. McGregor won their first encounter with a first-round TKO in less than two minutes at UFC 178 in 2014. Poirier claimed victory in their subsequent meetings, both via TKO. The last fight ended early when McGregor suffered a broken left leg at the end of the first round.
In their second fight, Poirier secured a win with strikes, earning a Performance of the Night bonus and propelling him into the lightweight title contention.