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Dustin Poirier has once again opened the door to a UFC comeback, and there is only one match at the top of his wishlist – McGregor vs Poirier 4.
Just days after Conor McGregor’s disappointing return at UFC 329 ended with another serious injury, Poirier revealed he would gladly come out of retirement for a fourth meeting with his longtime rival. While questioning whether McGregor can still compete at the highest level after another lengthy recovery, “The Diamond” insisted he would not hesitate if the UFC offered the fight.
The comments have reignited speculation over one of mixed martial arts’ biggest rivalries, despite Poirier officially retiring from competition last year.
Poirier questions McGregor’s future
McGregor’s comeback lasted only 69 seconds before injury forced another heartbreaking setback in his first UFC appearance in five years. The Irish superstar has already stated his intention to return once he recovers, but Poirier believes the road back will be far more difficult this time.
Speaking about McGregor’s latest injury, Poirier admitted he has doubts about what comes next.
“He’s not 25 anymore. He’s 37. He hasn’t fought in five years,” Poirier said. “Listen, I haven’t seen the results of the medical scans or anything they’ve done, but if it’s a torn ACL, after being away for five years, if it’s an ACL tear, I mean, that’s another year. The guy’s done.”
Poirier believes the injury could permanently change McGregor’s ability to compete, even if he eventually returns.
“He’s done. He’s not going to be the same, but I do think he comes back. He’s got one fight left on his contract. I think he makes that walk. I don’t think he’s going to be the same. I don’t think the excitement and the expectations are going to be the same ever again.”
McGregor vs Poirier 4 is still on the table
Despite questioning McGregor’s future, Poirier made it clear he would be willing to leave retirement behind for one final showdown.
Appearing on UFC’s Deep Waters show, the former interim lightweight champion issued a direct challenge to his longtime rival.
“I’ll tell you what, whenever he is healed up, hit me up, Conor,” Poirier said. “I’ll come back and whip you again.”
Poirier later suggested he would be open to fighting McGregor at welterweight, although he questioned whether the Irishman would accept those terms.
The rivalry currently stands at 2 and 1 in Poirier’s favor. McGregor won their first meeting in 2014 before Poirier responded with back to back victories in 2021, including the trilogy bout that ended after McGregor suffered a broken leg.
Retirement may not be permanent
Although Poirier retired following his farewell fight in 2025, he has repeatedly admitted that the right opportunity could convince him to return.
A fourth contest with McGregor would undoubtedly rank among the biggest fights available outside the UFC title picture, bringing together two of the promotion’s most recognizable stars for another blockbuster event.
Business wise, it remains one of the easiest fights for the UFC to sell, given the history between the two men and the enormous attention each meeting has generated.
Will the UFC make the fight?
The biggest question is whether the UFC views McGregor vs Poirier 4 as the best option for McGregor once he is medically cleared.
Max Holloway has already expressed interest in completing a trilogy with McGregor following UFC 329, while several other contenders are likely to pursue the former two division champion if he returns.
Poirier also acknowledged there are obstacles on his side. Since retiring, he has openly joked about no longer being part of the UFC’s anti doping testing pool, meaning any comeback would require additional preparation before stepping back into competition.
Still, his message to McGregor could not have been clearer.
For now, McGregor faces another long rehabilitation process before any return becomes possible. If he eventually makes it back to the Octagon for the final fight on his UFC contract, Poirier has already volunteered to be waiting on the other side of the cage.
Whether the UFC decides to revisit McGregor vs Poirier 4 – one of the sport’s greatest rivalries remains to be seen, but Poirier has made it clear he believes there is still unfinished business.
What do you think about McGregor vs Poirier 4?
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