Dustin Poirier announced on 7 July 2026 that he believes Conor McGregor will step back into the UFC Octagon before the calendar flips, putting a clear deadline on the Irish fighter’s long‑awaited return.
What did Poirier say?
During a post‑fight interview after his lightweight bout at UFC 291 in Las Vegas, Poirier stated, “I’m confident McGregor will be back by the end of the year, maybe even sooner if the right fight lines up.” He added that the former two‑division champion has been “training hard” and “talking to his team about a proper fight plan.” The comment came moments after Poirier secured a unanimous decision win over former contender Rafael dos Anjos.
Why is the claim stirring conversation?
McGregor’s last UFC appearance was a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 272 in March 2022, a fight that ended in a second‑round TKO. Since then, the Irishman has dabbled in boxing, most notably a 2023 bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr., and has hinted at retirement multiple times. Poirier’s bold timeline challenges the narrative that McGregor is winding down, prompting analysts to revisit the fighter’s contract status and potential match‑ups. UFC President Dana White has not confirmed any upcoming fight for McGregor, but Poirier’s confidence forces the promotion to address speculation.
How could a McGregor return affect Poirier’s plans?
If McGregor steps back into the lightweight division before year‑end, Poirier could find himself either defending his ranking against a high‑profile opponent or negotiating a rematch that would likely headline a major pay‑per‑view. The lightweight title picture currently features Islam Makhachev as champion, with Poirier sitting at #3 in the UFC rankings. A McGregor comeback could shuffle the top five, potentially moving Poirier into a title‑contending slot sooner than expected.
What’s next for Poirier and the division?
Poirier is slated to fight former contender Charles Oliveira at UFC 295 on 23 September 2026 in Rio de Janeiro. A win would cement his position as a top contender and set the stage for a possible showdown with McGregor or a direct title shot against Makhachev. Meanwhile, McGregor’s camp, led by manager Paulie Malignaggi, has remained tight‑lipped about exact dates, though they have confirmed that “the fighter is ready when the right opportunity arrives.” Fans and media will be watching both camps closely as the year draws to a close.
The conversation sparked by Poirier’s claim underscores how intertwined the careers of these two fighters remain, even years after their last clash. Whether McGregor’s return materializes by December or slips into the next calendar year, Poirier’s confidence adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the lightweight division’s evolving storyline.