Dustin Poirier didn't hesitate to take a shot at his longtime rival Conor McGregor after his injury loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 12, 2026. Poirier called McGregor a 'dirtbag' and offered to come out of retirement to fight him again.
What happened?
Conor McGregor made his long-awaited return to the Octagon against Max Holloway, but his night was cut short when he injured his leg after throwing a leg kick early in the first round. McGregor was unable to continue fighting, and Holloway was declared the winner.
Dustin Poirier's reaction
Poirier, who is retired, didn't hold back when reacting to McGregor's loss. "That injury couldn't have happened to a better guy. This guy's a dirtbag," Poirier said. He also offered to come out of retirement to fight McGregor again, saying, "Whenever he is healed up, hit me up Conor I'll come back and whip you again. I'd come back to whip him again. At 170."
Conor McGregor's plans
McGregor revealed on Instagram that he will need surgery to repair his injured leg. Despite the setback, McGregor plans to return to the Octagon and fight out the last fight on his contract. "Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again. Final fight of the contract. Please God! I trust in You Lord! Show me Your way. Thank You God," McGregor wrote.
What comes next?
It's unclear when McGregor will be able to return to the Octagon, but Poirier is ready to face him whenever he is healed. The two fighters have a long history, and their rivalry is one of the most intense in the UFC. Poirier's willingness to come out of retirement to fight McGregor again adds another layer to their already complicated relationship.