Dustin Poirier has seen it all inside the Octagon, including fights against both Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, and he believes the UFC already had the perfect formula for McGregor’s long-awaited return.
Conor McGregor has been out of action for years, but talks of a comeback continue to build toward a possible 2026 return. While negotiations are still ongoing, one thing is now clear: the long-rumored clash with Michael Chandler is no longer on the table.
That matchup once looked like the obvious choice. McGregor was expected to return in 2024 after recovering from the devastating leg injury he suffered in his trilogy bout against Poirier. The UFC even set the stage with both fighters coaching The Ultimate Fighter. But injuries and delays derailed those plans, and UFC CEO Dana White has since shut the door on that fight.
Poirier, however, still believes the UFC got it right the first time.
“I thought the Chandler fight was a layup for him,” Poirier said on Joe Rogan’s podcast. “A great matchup for him. [Chandler is] up there, 38 or 39 years old. But it’s just a layup for Conor.
“Chandler’s hittable, covers distance not that technically. Huge movements. You jump in, you get carried out. Conor’s a sniper. I just think that’s a great matchup for him.”
Despite backing McGregor in that stylistic matchup, Poirier didn’t ignore the reality of facing “The Notorious.” He’s been there three times and understands the business side just as much as the fight itself.
“You get paid,” Poirier said. “And he sat out for two years waiting on Conor.”
That wait ultimately cost Chandler. After holding out for a fight that never materialized, he now shifts focus to a different challenge, while McGregor remains in limbo.
At the same time, the UFC landscape has changed. The promotion has moved away from its traditional pay-per-view model, a major factor in McGregor’s past earnings — which adds another layer to ongoing negotiations.
For now, McGregor’s comeback opponent remains a mystery. Several names continue to circulate, but nothing is official. What’s certain is that expectations will be massive whenever he finally steps back into the cage.
And if you ask Dustin Poirier, the blueprint for that return was already there, the UFC just didn’t follow through.
