Conor McGregor is 1-3 in his last four UFC fights, with his most recent outing being a defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. 'Notorious' has fought four times since 2018, and has taken a significant amount of time away from the cage in recent years.
According to UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan, McGregor's absence from the UFC octagon could be the reason why he has lost his last two fights to Dustin Poirier.
Rogan and Derek from More Plates More Dates initially discussed whether or not Conor McGregor's fame and success had caused him to lose the desire to train hard. But the podcast host then pointed out that the Irishman's poor performances could be the result of cage rust:
"I wonder, you know, it could just be inactivity too. Inactivity is probably one of the bigger factors in his demise, maybe even more so than just the silk sheets. Like he said that after the Dustin Poirier fight, when Poirier knocked him out."
Watch the video below from 1:00:
In Conor McGregor's post-fight interview after his knockout loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, 'Notorious' said the following:
"It's hard to overcome inactivity over long periods of time, and that's it you know. The leg kicks were good, that low calf kick was very good... It's the inactivity and that's it. But Dustin's some fighter... I'll have to dust it off and come back."
Watch the video below:
Conor McGregor gets called out by Rafael dos Anjos after UFC Orlando win
Conor McGregor was called out by former foe Rafael dos Anjos following the Brazilian's second-round submission victory over Bryan Barberena at UFC Orlando.
'RDA' and McGregor were meant to fight back in 2016, when dos Anjos was the UFC lightweight champion. 'Notorious' had defeated Jose Aldo for the UFC featherweight title at UFC 194 and was eager to attain double-champ status.
A fight between dos Anjos and McGregor was booked but never came to fruition as the then-155lbs champion broke his foot and withdrew from the bout. The pair were involved in an altercation at UFC 264, and words were traded in reference to the bout that never took place in 2016.
Dos Anjos still seems to have a score to settle with McGregor, as the Brazilian called out 'Notorious' in his octagon interview on Saturday:
"I want to call out Conor McGregor. Seven years ago I earned this fight by beating Donald Cerrone. He came up a division and we were supposed to fight. I broke my foot, but now here I am."
Watch the video below:
Conor McGregor's much anticipated return appears to be set for 2023, and a matchup with Rafael dos Anjos would make for an exciting watch.
