Dustin Poirier could not resist one playful line after Conor McGregor’s recent remarks

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Dustin Poirier could not resist one playful line after Conor McGregor’s recent remarks

Originally posted on HITC | By Filipe Guedes | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 8:44 AM ET

Dustin Poirier knows Conor McGregor well enough to spot the moments that can turn into headlines.

During a recent episode of the Deep Waters show, Poirier joined Jorge Masvidal and Chris Weidman to discuss McGregor’s preparations for his return at International Fight Week.

Weidman mentioned that the Irishman had said he was “sleeping on the mats” due to the intensity of his training, and ‘The Diamond’ could not resist after hearing that.

Dustin Poirier’s playful jab harks back to Abu Dhabi

Poirier did not hesitate. The phrase brought him back to Abu Dhabi, where he stopped McGregor with a second-round knockout at UFC 257.

The 37-year-old said: “Speaking of sleeping… Conor McGregor, I put you to sleep in Abu Dhabi, bud. Clip it and rip it. Sleepy Mac!”

The line landed well, making Masvidal and Weidman laugh.

Dustin Poirier reacts to Conor McGregor saying he's "living and sleeping in the gym"

"Speaking of sleeping… Conor McGregor, I put you to sleep in Abu Dhabi bud. Sleepy Mac!"

(via @UFConParamount) pic.twitter.com/Qo8NBcNf7j
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 1, 2026

That Abu Dhabi victory remains a key moment in their story. McGregor won their first meeting in 2014, but Poirier evened the score in January 2021 and took the trilogy later that year.

The third bout was also McGregor’s last UFC appearance before his fight with Max Holloway was announced. He lost at UFC 264 in July 2021, suffering a broken leg.

That layoff adds weight to Poirier’s remark.

Poirier’s comment was light-hearted rather than hostile, but it hit home because it combined humour with history, and McGregor cannot separate his comeback from the rivalry that paused it.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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