Conor McGregor’s 2021 KO Loss to Dustin Poirier Changed Everything

Who Is Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier?

Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier has compiled a notable résumé, sitting at 30‑10‑1 with a high‑profile career that never captured a UFC title. He holds multiple UFC records, including the second‑most Fight of the Night bonuses (10) and the most finishes against current, former or future champions (six). Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, he turned professional in 2009 and debuted in the UFC in 2011, initially falling to Max Holloway before a 2014 loss to Conor McGregor. After that setback, Poirier embarked on a lengthy winning streak, defeating fighters such as Jim Miller, Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, a Holloway rematch, Dan Hooker and Michael Chandler. He later knocked McGregor out at UFC 257 in July 2021 and repeated the feat at UFC 264 a few months later.

What Happened in McGregor’s Last UFC 264 Fight

The final bout between McGregor and Poirier took place at UFC 264 in Las Vegas, where more than 20,062 fans packed the T‑Mobile Arena. McGregor opened the fight attempting leg kicks— the same weakness that plagued him in their previous meeting— while Poirier landed his own kicks and responded with powerful right hands. The exchange quickly shifted when McGregor launched a guillotine choke that drew loud cheers, but Poirier secured a dominant position and rained elbows on the stunned champion. After a brief stand‑up round, a devastating right hand sent McGregor to the canvas, and the fight was halted before the second round due to a broken lower tibia. Witnesses captured McGregor shouting “It’s not over” on the floor and directing remarks toward Poirier’s wife.

Aftermath: McGregor’s Extended Hiatus and Poirier’s Late Career

The injury forced McGregor into a lengthy recovery that included surgery and kept him out of the octagon for years. He shifted focus to business projects, dabbled in political commentary and faced several legal battles during the hiatus. A planned rematch with Michael Chandler was cancelled after McGregor suffered a toe fracture, further postponing his return. Meanwhile, Poirier continued his title chase, losing championship fights to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev, and fell short for the BMF title against Max Holloway at UFC 318 in 2025. After that loss, Poirier announced his retirement, leaving a 30‑10‑1 record that included two knockouts of McGregor.

Looking Ahead: Conor Returns vs. Max Holloway at UFC 329

Despite the extended break, McGregor’s appetite for competition never fully faded, leading to a highly anticipated rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329. The event is billed as a chance for the Notorious to reclaim his former prestige and for Holloway to solidify his elite status. Analysts anticipate a fast‑paced clash, given both fighters’ histories of delivering dramatic comebacks and knockout victories. The bout marks a pivotal milestone for both athletes as they seek to re‑establish themselves on the UFC’s top tier. It also serves as a storyline pivot, highlighting the unpredictable nature of mixed‑martial‑arts careers.