The Impact of Conor McGregor: How Beating "The Notorious" Transformed Dustin Poirier's Stardom

UFC veteran Dustin Poirier, known for his impressive professional record of 30 wins, has headlined numerous pay-per-view events and contended for championship titles. However, Poirier recently revealed that a specific bout was the catalyst that propelled him to overnight stardom.

During a discussion on The Joe Rogan Experience, Poirier candidly praised his long-time rival and one of the UFC's biggest draws, Conor McGregor. Although their relationship has seen its share of animosity, Poirier attributes his significantly increased public recognition to their second encounter.

The history between "The Notorious" and "The Diamond" dates back to 2014, when McGregor secured a first-round knockout victory in their initial fight. Years later, at UFC 257, Poirier avenged that loss, achieving a TKO victory over McGregor. They met for a third time later that same year at UFC 264, a fight that ended in the first round with Poirier winning by TKO after McGregor suffered a leg injury.

Reflecting on the pivotal second fight and the moment his career trajectory shifted, Dustin Poirier shared on The Joe Rogan Experience:

"I fought 19 years, and until that Conor fight, that’s when things changed for me recognition-wise. The door opened for seminars, for appearances, and I had been in so many UFC main events, fought for the belt, done all this stuff, but that guy’s name..."

Dustin Poirier's Respect for Conor McGregor's Unique Abilities

Despite the enduring rivalry between them, Dustin Poirier has consistently acknowledged McGregor's accomplishments in the UFC. Even with their contentious history, the Louisiana native expresses a desire to see McGregor make a successful return to the octagon.

In a prior appearance on the Outta Pocket with RGIII podcast, "The Diamond" offered his perspective:

"Look, I love to talk trash on Conor, but if anybody can put it all together and come back, if he can find that passion and that fire, and put it together, this guy can. I’m not saying anybody, but this guy can. He’s special. He has something special, but only he knows when he looks in the mirror if he can really do it again. But if he believes it, I believe he could.”

McGregor, who has been absent from professional fighting for nearly four years, has voiced his strong desire to return to the cage. While an earlier planned fight for June 14 did not materialize, rumors now suggest that the former two-division UFC champion might compete during the International Fight Week card in July. Currently, the 37-year-old is actively training and has been reported as the most tested fighter in 2026, signaling his serious intent for a impactful comeback.