Has Conor McGregor Lost His Will to Fight?
Has Conor McGregor finally lost the fighting spirit that previously shone brilliantly in him? Given the acerbic words made by UFC competitor Matt Brown, it appears that we may have already witnessed McGregor’s final match. There’s an unsettling sense of finality in the air after more than three years away from the octagon, despite his legendary status being undeniable previously.
Matt Brown’s Audacious Allegation: Poirier Stole McGregor’s Spirit
Matt Brown, who is renowned for his ruthless candor, didn’t hold back. Recently, Brown asserted with confidence on The Fighter vs. The Writer, “Dustin Poirier took his f*cking soul.” A claim every bit as potent as the bouts that catapulted McGregor to fame. Brown didn’t stop there either. He spoke into great detail, thinking back to that terrible night in 2021 when McGregor’s leg broke during his trilogy matchup with Poirier. The Irishman lost for the second time in a row, and Brown claimed that night that McGregor’s fighting spirit was lost.
“After that incident, it seemed to me that Dustin had taken his soul that day,” Brown remarked, his voice nearly as icy as McGregor’s wound. “Dustin took his f*cking soul, and when you go back and watch that fight, maybe we didn’t realize it would be this bad.”
Brown went on to say that although Poirier’s victory was exceptional, Nate Diaz’s triumph may have momentarily shaken McGregor’s confidence. Following his most recent fight, the once-bold McGregor—known for his ability to bounce back—seemed different. Brown underscored the gravity of the event by saying, “I think Dustin actually took his soul, whatever Dustin did to him.”
Conor’s Desire to Return to Combat
Naturally, McGregor would make a different argument. He’s never been one to back down from a challenge or discuss going back into the cage. Frequent tweets on social media allude to his preparedness while expressing annoyance at being ignored. CEO of the UFC Dana White even said she hopes to see McGregor back in the first part of 2025. But will Conor McGregor ever look the same to us? Or are we just holding on to the recollections of his heyday?
When it came to naming a possible opponent for McGregor’s expected comeback, White wavered. After waiting in the wings for over two years, Michael Chandler appears to have moved on for the time being. Nevertheless, if both fighters are prepared for UFC 309, Chandler might find himself across from McGregor. But that raises an important query: Who would McGregor take on in the event that he makes a comeback?
McGregor’s Reduced Importance in the Division
Brown said, “The division has moved on.” “Today’s Conor is not the Conor of 2016.” Strong language, although not totally untrue. Brown considered McGregor’s potential opponents while highlighting the fact that only elite fighters would make sense. Conor McGregor is who he is. He won’t be returning to face No. 20 or No. 25 or anything else. He must battle a top-10 opponent. But after a lengthy break, against which of the top 10 would McGregor be competitive?
Even with McGregor’s unrivaled star power, it appears that winning money rather than moving up the rankings is now the real benefit of defeating him. Brown clarified, “The issue that everyone would now have is that it’s just a money fight.” Although defeating McGregor could increase a fighter’s profile, it won’t guarantee them a shot at the title. “You might skip the line a little bit because you just blew up your name, but after beating Conor McGregor, nobody is going to say, ‘You deserve a title fight now that you beat Conor McGregor,'” Brown remarked.
Is McGregor No Longer Desirous?
What does this mean for Conor McGregor now? Has the guy who once dominated the UFC lost interest in competing? Although McGregor appears to be acting differently on social media, deeds speak louder than words. It seems more doubtful than ever that McGregor will remain in the UFC with Chandler out and a division that has moved on. It remains to be seen if McGregor will once more emerge from the ashes and disprove everyone, or if Brown’s audacious forecast comes true.
However, as Brown stated, “It’s likely that we won’t see Conor again.”
