Dustin Poirier, a frequent rival of Conor McGregor, has suggested that the UFC fighter deserved the knee injury he suffered during his return to the Octagon at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. McGregor sustained the injury in the opening seconds of his bout against Max Holloway, which was his first fight in five years.
Poirier, who has faced McGregor three times, commented on the 'Deep Waters' podcast, stating, "I thought it couldn't have happened to a better guy." He added, "That injury couldn't have happened to a better guy. Earlier this week, he said karma is a mirror, and it definitely is... this guy is a dirtbag."
The injury occurred as McGregor attempted a kick that missed Holloway. The fight was stopped just 69 seconds into the first round. McGregor described the experience as "hell" and stated, "I can only describe it as hell."
McGregor's absence from the UFC included prior injury withdrawals, an 18-month suspension for missed drug tests, and a civil jury finding him liable for sexual assault in November 2024, resulting in a $260,000 damages order. These factors contributed to Poirier's lack of sympathy.
Conspiracy theories circulated among some fans suggesting McGregor may have been injured before the fight, fueled by footage of him hopping after removing his shoes shortly before stepping out. However, McGregor refuted these claims in a statement, asserting the injury "came out of nowhere."
Poirier questioned McGregor's decision to start the fight with a high kick, calling it "like a Hail Mary." Poirier, who defeated McGregor twice in 2021, noted that McGregor himself broke his leg in their third fight. McGregor had previously defeated Poirier in 2014.
McGregor, who has one fight remaining on his UFC contract, expressed his shock at the injury, stating, "My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight." He also added, "The talk of me being off while walking into the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place."
Max Holloway, McGregor's opponent, indicated a willingness for a trilogy match with the 38-year-old fighter.
