Dustin Poirier defends Conor McGregor amid UFC 329 quit theories

Dustin Poirier does not believe Conor McGregor quit at UFC 329.

McGregor's return lasted 69 seconds after the Irishman opened with a flying kick that blew out his knee, sparking theories that he threw the fight or entered the cage already injured. Poirier, who fought McGregor three times over 12 years, dismissed both scenarios in a conversation with Teddy Atlas. "I've had a lot of time with Conor over the past 12 years, and I just don't think he's a quitter like that," Poirier said, per MMA Mania.

Why Poirier doubts the conspiracy theories

The former lightweight contender pointed out that if McGregor knew his knee was compromised and wanted a quick exit, punches would have made more sense than kicking with the injured limb. "If he knew he was injured, and he just said, 'It's either me or him, the first minute, somebody's gonna fall,' wouldn't you do it with punches?" Poirier asked. "Why would you do it with an injured weapon?"

Poirier acknowledged that five years away from competition and age — McGregor is 38 — likely played a role. "He's been out for five years. I think it was nerves, adrenaline, it was all that," Poirier said. "And I think that got the best of him, and he just made a bad mistake." The retired fighter also noted McGregor does not need money, ruling out desperation as a motive.

McGregor has stated he plans to rehab and fight again, though no timeline has been announced.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Despite bad blood, Dustin Poirier defends Conor McGregor amid UFC 329 conspiracy theories — ‘I don’t think he’s a quitter’