It’s been four years since UFC 264, where Conor McGregor last competed inside the octagon. A horrific injury in the main event against Dustin Poirier halted his career.
The McGregor vs. Poirier trilogy fight generated plenty of interest. Both held one win each, making their main event bout a decisive tie-breaker. The winner would also establish themselves as a top contender and likely earn a lightweight title shot.
McGregor mixed up his offense with kicks, but it backfired. He landed a leg kick on Poirier, followed by punches, then dropped to the canvas when his leg gave way. The Notorious was forced to defend ground strikes until the bell sounded to end the round.
After the opening round, McGregor was unable to continue. The referee stopped the fight, awarding Poirier a TKO win via doctor’s stoppage.
McGregor, noticeably in pain, didn’t let the injury stop him from unleashing a scathing post-fight interview aimed at Poirier.
“I was boxing the bleeding head off him, kicking the bleeding leg off him,” McGregor said during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. “This is not over. If I have to take this outside with him, it’s all outside. I don’t give a [expletive].”
Conor McGregor Ventured Into Hollywood During UFC Hiatus
Though McGregor paused his UFC career to recover, he stopped pursuing other high-profile opportunities. The Notorious ventured into Hollywood, landing a role in the Road House remake starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.
McGregor played the film’s villain, Knox, and heavily promoted the film ahead of its release. The film became a massive success for Prime Video, breaking records for the streaming platform.
Prime Video’s official X account reported Road House generated 50 million viewers over its first two weekends. As a result of the success, the studio greenlit a sequel.
“Road House has become Amazon MGM Studios’ most-watched produced film debut ever on a worldwide basis.”
McGregor’s UFC Return Constantly Delayed
McGregor continues to tease a return, but his comeback keeps getting delayed. In 2023, the former two-division UFC champion returned as a coach on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ opposite Michael Chandler.
The ‘TUF’ season aimed to promote McGregor’s return bout against Chandler. However, the UFC never finalized the bout. The Notorious didn’t re-enter the USADA testing pool, which all UFC fighters were required to do.
The UFC finally booked McGregor vs. Chandler for UFC 303, which would cap off the promotion’s annual International Fight Week. But the bout fell through again after the Irishman confirmed an injury and posted a photo of his toe.
The UFC provided no timeline for when they would reschedule, leading Chandler to fight Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett instead. However, McGregor expressed interest in competing at the UFC’s White House event, giving fans a glimmer of hope.
“Happy 4th of July, USA. Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at The White House. I would be honored! Count me in!” McGregor posted on his X account.
Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House.
I would be honoured! Count me in! 🤩☘️
McGregor has built a reputation for big fights, and the UFC’s White House event could lure him back to the octagon.
On This Day in 2021: Conor McGregor’s UFC Career Halted by Horrific Injury