Dustin Poirier has questioned whether Conor McGregor still has the desire to commit to the demanding lifestyle required for a UFC comeback after the Irish star’s disappointing return at UFC 329. Speaking on The Fight with Teddy Atlas, Poirier reflected on McGregor’s 69-second loss to Max Holloway, which ended abruptly after McGregor suffered a right knee injury during the opening exchanges.
Poirier suggested that McGregor’s current lifestyle may be affecting his ability to prepare at the highest level. He wondered if the former two-division champion has been taking care of his body the way he once did, pointing to the physical demands of elite competition. McGregor’s latest setback has once again raised doubts about his future in the UFC, with fans and fighters questioning whether another comeback is still realistic.
Dustin Poirier Questions Conor McGregor’s Commitment After UFC 329 Injury
Dustin Poirier believes Conor McGregor’s recent injury may be linked to changes in his lifestyle rather than just bad luck. Poirier reflected on McGregor’s brief UFC 329 comeback, which ended after the former champion injured his right knee during the opening minute against Max Holloway. Holloway chose not to capitalize on the injury, and referee Mike Beltran stepped in to stop the contest. Assessing McGregor’s condition before the fight, Poirier admitted he noticed signs that concerned him. “Definitely he looked bloated,” Poirier opined. “I thought his face looked a little shiny. Under his eyes looked a little full. His cheeks looked full. It could be because he’s living an unhealthy lifestyle. I don’t feel like 15 pounds would make your face look that bloated. I don’t know what’s going on. His body looked fit. His face looked unhealthy. When you don’t live the healthiest lifestyle, your body’s more susceptible to injuries.”
Dustin Poirier says Conor McGregor’s face looked “unhealthy” and suggests he should retire
“He’s addicted to the limelight, he’s addicted to people talking about him. I don’t know if he’s addicted to the fight itself anymore.
If it’s a torn ACL at his age, he’s done.”
(via… pic.twitter.com/XAcIqCyVXQ
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 13, 2026
Poirier also weighed in on McGregor’s future, with some suggesting the Irishman should switch to boxing if he wants to keep competing. While Poirier feels McGregor’s mixed martial arts career has likely reached its end, he hopes the former two-division champion avoids damaging the legacy he built over the years. “With the record-breaking career he’s had, I would just hate to see him be a freakshow fighter like that, and only come out for these exhibitions,” Poirier said. “That’s not real fighting to me. I hope he stays on the track in his normal day-to-day life, man.”
McGregor has previously stated that he has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and was targeting a return in April 2027. However, the latest knee injury could force those plans to change depending on the severity of the damage. Poirier also questioned whether McGregor still has the motivation to return to the demanding training routine required to compete at the highest level, especially after spending years away from the Octagon and achieving enormous financial success.
Conor McGregor Still Targets UFC Comeback Despite 69-Second Return Ending in Injury
Despite suffering another major setback, Conor McGregor insists his UFC career is not over. The former two-division champion confirmed he intends to return to the Octagon after his comeback at UFC 329 ended just 69 seconds into the opening round against Max Holloway. McGregor revealed that he will undergo surgery before beginning rehabilitation and eventually resuming training. “Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again,” McGregor wrote on Instagram. “Final fight of the contract. Praise God!” The Irishman did not disclose the exact nature of the injury or provide any timeline for his return.
McGregor’s latest comeback was cut short after he appeared to injure his knee early in the fight, forcing an abrupt end to the contest. Following the defeat, he insisted he had entered the bout in full fitness and was stunned by the injury. “My head gasket is gone. Destroyed,” he wrote. “I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”
Although only one fight remains on McGregor’s current UFC contract, his future with the promotion remains uncertain. UFC president Dana White had previously revealed he already had several ideas for McGregor’s next opponent had he defeated Holloway, suggesting the promotion is still open to another return. McGregor has overcome serious injuries before, including a torn ACL in 2013 and the broken leg he suffered against Dustin Poirier in 2021. However, with his last UFC victory dating back to January 2020 against Donald Cerrone, questions continue to surround whether he can successfully make one final comeback.
