Dustin Poirier has given his take on Conor McGregor’s return against Max Holloway in the UFC 329 main event on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
McGregor is set to rematch Holloway in the headliner after a long layoff. He has not competed since a TKO loss to Poirier in July 2021 in which he broke his leg, which came after Poirier knocked him out at UFC 257. McGregor has said he has been sleeping at the gym in preparation for his comeback, while Holloway has opened as a sizable betting favorite.
Poirier referenced their history directly, saying, "Speaking of sleeping, Conor McGregor, I put you to sleep in Abu Dhabi, bud," and adding, "Sleepy Mac."
Looking ahead to the potential dynamics of a five-round fight, Poirier said, "If it does go all five and there's a point down in the last 10 seconds, I don't think Conor's going to be in physical shape to throw down with Max like that because Max is still fast at the end of the fight, man."
Poirier also contrasted McGregor’s situation with his own retirement bout, describing how he reacted in the final moments: "Bro, I don't clinch people, especially in the last 10 seconds of my retirement fight. I was like, 'Dude, I'm not getting slept or getting hurt in the last 10 seconds.' I clinched. His hand speed is good."
