Dustin Poirier has issued a brutal threat to Conor McGregor as the UFC lightweight star claims he'd fight to Irishman 'to the death’ if they ever went head-to-head again. The pair have been involved in a bitter feud for the past decade. McGregor emerged victorious in their first meeting back in 2014, but had to wait seven years before taking on the American once again. Poirier would go on to secure a stunning knockout in the sequel, before going 2-1 up in the series when McGregor broke his leg in the first round at UFC 264 in July 2021.
In the build-up to the trilogy, McGregor attempted to get under Poirier's skin with some vile insults. Following their last fight, the two men have discussed a potential fourth bout inside the cage. However, due to the Irishman's recent inactivity, it seems very much unlikely that the two stars will touch gloves again. However, that hasn't stopped 'The Diamond' from speaking ill of the former dual-weight world champion. In an interview with talkSPORT, when asked if McGregor would make a return to the cage, Poirier revealed he has little respect for 'The Notorious.' “Your guess is as good as mine,” he said. “I was hopeful at first. I was like: ‘If anybody can come back from this injury it’s going to be this guy’.
“He’s got a strong mind, but the further it gets from that after those fights keep falling apart when he announces them. I’m losing hope. And he had a great matchup, I think Michael Chandler was an incredible matchup for his return.”. Poirier, 36, was asked if he is cordial with McGregor four years after their last meeting, with the American brutally responding: “No, of course not. We will fight to the death if I see him…I don’t respect him as a man. As an athlete and a fighter, he’s done some incredible things. He’s very gifted and is special in that way when it comes to combat, but as a human being? Nah.”.
The second win over McGregor earned Poirier another shot at the UFC gold in December 2021, but suffered an agonising defeat by then-champion Charles Oliveira. The 36-year-old then submitted Michael Chandler before being knocked out by Justin Gaethje two years ago. Perhaps one of Poirier's best knockouts came on his return against Benoit Saint Denis. The Frenchman looked on the verge of pulling off a huge upset before 'The Diamond' - a former interim world champion - scored a devastating knockout in the second round last year. The win earned him one last shot at the title against Islam Makhachev.
However, the fight proved to be one step too far for the American, who was submitted deep into the fifth round. With 40 professional fights under his belt, Poirier's next outing is expected to be his last. Speaking on the topic of retirement, the Lafayette native said: “My next fight will be my last fight. “I’m going to put the gloves down and I’m just hoping I will be able to do that here in New Orleans, Louisiana. You know, where I picked them up. I started fighting in Louisiana, I would love to retire here in Louisiana in the summer. Me and the UFC have been talking about this, they’re trying to get the state of Louisiana on board, New Orleans on board and we’re pushing for the summer so I really hope it comes together man.”.
