Poirier says McGregor injury couldn’t happen to a guy

Conor McGregor's long-awaited return to the UFC ended in a devastating injury just over a minute into his fight on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Las Vegas, reigniting a bitter war of words with his longtime rival Dustin Poirier. McGregor, competing for the first time in five years, appeared to injure his knee while throwing a running, jumping kick early in the first round against Max Holloway at UFC 329. Unable to continue, the fight was stopped at approximately 69 seconds, handing Holloway the victory and leaving McGregor facing another surgical procedure and extended recovery.

The anticlimactic finish to one of the year's most anticipated events was swiftly followed by scathing criticism from Poirier, who has a deep and contentious history with McGregor. Speaking on a podcast, Poirier expressed no sympathy, stating the injury could not have happened to a better guy and labeling McGregor a dirtbag. He referenced a recent social media post by McGregor about karma, saying it definitely is a mirror.

Poirier also questioned McGregor's fight strategy, noting there was footage of him training to open with the same flashy kick. He called the tactic a Hail Mary to start a 25-minute fight...