The Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor rivalry is one of the longest-standing rivalries in the history of UFC. After sharing the octagon three times, the pair are desperate to fight each other for the fourth time. While the octagon would be the preferred place, both fighters recently came very close to trading hands outside of it.
Interestingly, McGregor and Dustin Poirier were in Las Vegas this past weekend and nearly crossed paths. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the ex-interim champion reflected on how close they came to an encounter. He drew a humorous comparison to a famous Family Guy segment to illustrate just how narrowly they avoided another clash.
Once we get clear of everybody, he’s like, ‘Dude, we almost had a big problem.’ You ever watched Family Guy? You know when Peter and the chicken run into each other? That’s what would have happened…Dude, for sure. If we would have made eye contact, if our eyes would have met, it would have been bad, probably.
Dustin Poirier via The Ariel Helwani Show
Another video from McGregor’s POV has gone viral where the ‘Mystic Mac’ saw Poirier but did not confront him. Poirier stated that given their history and bad blood, he would not have thought twice before taking a swing. It’s been three years since their last fight. Fans have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly between both the fighters.
😳Dustin Poirier almost ran into Conor McGregor in Las Vegas.
Dustin said that they would have definitely ended up fighting.
🎥 @arielhelwani ▫️ pic.twitter.com/MUDum6fz7J
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 15, 2024
Conor McGregor’s reaction to being at the same event as Dustin Poirier 😭 pic.twitter.com/TkHvTkpVWy
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 15, 2024
In their last fight, tensions ran high as Poirier won the fight via TKO after McGregor broke his leg. However, that didn’t stop the ‘Notorious’ from taking a dig at Poirier’s wife. Since then, both fighters have repeatedly trashed each other via social media. Currently, Poirier is leading 2-1 in the rivalry, and McGregor has shown interest in settling the score.
Dustin Poirier talks about fighting ‘nice’ Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor‘s second fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 in 2021 showed a different side of him. Unlike his normal trash-talking character, he took a more respectful approach to Poirier. McGregor adopted a boxing-heavy strategy during the bout, making him exposed to Poirier’s calf kicks. This severely limited his mobility.
Poirier took advantage of this and won the fight via TKO in round two. McGregor admitted to strategic missteps and showed desire in a trilogy fight after that. During an interview, Joe Rogan asked Poirier about how different it was to fight the ‘nice’ Conor McGregor in the second bout. While responding, the former UFC interim champion gave a very positive answer.
Fighting is hectic already. It’s a lot of pressure. So, It being a little bit calm for me, was a smooth sailing man. Without having guys spilling beer, yelling you’re gonna die on the way to the walk. it’s relaxing to me.
Dustin Poirier via JRE MMA Show #102
After his UFC 302 title loss, Dustin Poirier is on the fence about retirement. However, he has spoken about perhaps facing McGregor in his final dance. Conversely, fans remain perplexed by McGregor’s UFC return. Dan Hooker is currently the front-runner for the ‘red panty night,’ but as assumed, nothing can be declared definitively.
