Dustin Poirier gives rival Conor McGregor 'special' advice for UFC comeback fight

The Dustin Poirier-Conor McGregor rivalry is always going to be a talking point when MMA fans further examine the sport's short, yet dynamic, history thus far.

UFC fighter suspended by Nevada State Athletic Commission for striking fan

From September 2014 to July 2021, Poirier and McGregor shared the Octagon during three separate occasions, as the Louisiana-native edged the former two-division UFC champion in two high-selling pay-per view main events (UFC 257 and UFC 264), both lucrative in their own respects.

Nearly four years removed from McGregor's leg break, both men have continued exchanging words as the Irishman's layoff from fighting grows ever longer.

Conor McGregor fights Dustin Poirier during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Nevertheless, both have an affinity for one another it appears. At least Poirier does.

Dustin Poirier Opens Up About Conor McGregor

During the latest edition of "Outta Pocket With RGIII," Poirier, whose UFC retirement fight is still in the works, was asked whether McGregor would ever find it in himself to return to the UFC.

In a surprising transition, Poirier was rather candid.

Watch Alex Pereira spar Action Bronson before UFC 313 fight with Magomed Ankalaev

Dustin Poirier punches Conor McGregor in a lightweight fight during UFC 257. | Handout Photo-Imagn Images

"If anybody can put it all together and come back...this guy can...He's special. He has something special," Poirier said.

Does McGregor Still Have It?

Poirier may be right to an extent. But when it comes to McGregor's non-MMA concerns, much less him putting a string of wins together, his argument is quickly debunked.

McGregor last won a fight five years ago, and his last championship win came nearly a decade ago. His fights against MMA star-turned-boxer Nate Diaz appear to be long gone, as is his short-lived KO to beat then-featherweight champion Jose Aldo in December 2015, showcasing who McGregor really was.

McGregor can only answer for himself – UFC CEO Dana White, Poirier, or anyone with remotely any celebrity prominence can't answer whether the Irishman still has it. It's his own doing.

Conor McGregor holds his leg after suffering an injury against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

If he returns to the UFC this year, as Poirier alludes, it's great for combat sports. If not, with the direction the UFC and MMA are heading toward, with a business-first, profit-generating model, the promotion, rather unfortunately, is going to continue to outweigh the fighters themselves.

Arman Tsarukyan blasts 'glass hands' Dan Hooker for UFC 313 pullout, 'Hangman' responds

So, it begs the question – how will McGregor be remembered?

The jury is still out.

More UFC & MMA News

• Dana White drops Justin Gaethje's new UFC 313 matchup, Kansas City headliner revealed

• Ronda Rousey's ex-coach emotional after broken promise ruins UFC career in 'DSOTC'

• ‘Stop trying to be Conor,’ Paddy Pimblett bashes Ilia Topuria’s lightweight move

• Alexander Volkanovski names ‘deserving’ contender he’d fight soon after UFC 314

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC, MMA, and Boxing.

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.