Dustin Poirier believes Conor McGregor still has the tools to be dangerous when he returns to the Octagon later this summer, especially against a veteran like Max Holloway.
McGregor is scheduled to face Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11, marking the former two-division champion’s first fight since suffering a broken leg in his trilogy bout against Poirier in 2021.
Having shared the cage with both men three times, Poirier offered a unique perspective on the matchup during an appearance on the Weighing In podcast with Josh Thomson.
Asked whether he expects McGregor to show signs of decline similar to Nate Diaz in recent years, Poirier dismissed the comparison.
“Yeah, I don't think Conor's going to look as bad as Nate, bro. That was really bad,” Poirier said. “The thing is that I think the punching power is going to be there, regardless. Conor's going to come back from the injury and still have that natural punching power.”
While Poirier expects McGregor’s power to remain intact, he admitted there are still major questions surrounding the Irish star after such a lengthy absence from competition.
“The question for me is the timing, the athleticism, the movement…all those questions need to be answered,” Poirier explained. “I don't know. We haven't seen him, so I don't know.”
Even so, Poirier believes McGregor’s trademark counter-striking ability could still make him a serious threat to Holloway if it returns anywhere close to its previous level.
“If his counterpunching and his timing is anywhere near what it was, he has a chance to beat Max,” Poirier said.
Poirier also pointed to the punishment Holloway has absorbed in recent years, suggesting the former featherweight champion may finally be showing signs of wear after a long career at the highest level.
“Look, I love Max, but the career he's had and the longevity he's had, he's touched the canvas in his last three fights,” Poirier said. “That's more than he's touched it in his entire career. I just think time's catching up with him.”
Despite Holloway still being relatively young, Poirier believes years of damage can eventually take a toll on any fighter, especially against an opponent with McGregor’s knockout power.
“He's still a young man, but he's taken a lot of shots,” Poirier added. “Conor can punch, man. No matter how long he's been out, he still has the great equalizer, and that's power. Some guys are born with it.”
