Conor McGregor lost his soul after defeat to Dustin Poirier, says former UFC fighter

C. McGregor (left) and D. Poirier (right) made a historical trilogy in UFC 264. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Away from the octagon since 2021, Conor McGregor has once again become the subject of criticism within the MMA world. This time, veteran Matt Brown weighed in on the Irishman's current form. During an appearance on the podcast "The Fighter vs. The Writer," the former fighter suggested that McGregor had lost his motivation to compete after his recent losses—especially against Dustin poirier.

"When you step out of the octagon one day, you'll realize that's who you were and that's all you were. I think Conor's struggling with that. Now, his identity has been kind of destroyed by Dustin poirier"Dustin took his soul. Khabib probably first, but Dustin kind of put the nail in the coffin. Now he's not even competing anymore. It's a lot to deal with," Brown said.

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According to the former welterweight, the former UFC featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) champion has not shown focus or discipline in recent years, and his public image on social media also raises questions.

"We don't know him as a person. We don't know what's going on in his life. But if we judge him solely by social media, I would question his mental health," he added.

Brown also reflected on how a fighter's identity can be lost after retirement or prolonged layoff.

"Every fighter knows that this becomes your identity. You are more than this, but this becomes who you are. I don't give a damn about what everyone tells you or what you try to believe in your own head," he concluded.

McGregor out of the octagon since 2021

Conor McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a serious leg fracture during the trilogy against Dustin poirier No. UFC 264Since then, the Irishman has undergone surgery, endured a long rehabilitation process, and been involved in several controversies, including a civil conviction for sexual assault in Ireland in 2024, which was appealed in 2025.

The former featherweight and lightweight champion was scheduled to face Michael chandler No. UFC 303, in June 2024, but a broken toe canceled his return. Despite the setbacks, Conor returned to the testing program and still talks about returning to the UFC, possibly in 2026.

Next steps?

Names like Michael chandler, Paddy Pimblett and even the current lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, are circulating as potential opponents for McGregor. Rumors indicate that the UFC may try to fit the Irishman into the special July 4, 2026, card, scheduled to be held at the White House in Washington, D.C., as part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations.