Imagine if a close friend could have prevented one of the most devastating moments in UFC history. That’s exactly what Joe Rogan believes he would have done for Conor McGregor—advised him to pull out of the fateful UFC 264 fight against Dustin Poirier. But here’s where it gets controversial: would McGregor have listened? And this is the part most people miss—the fight’s aftermath left fans with a haunting image of McGregor’s leg break, a moment that could have been avoided. Let’s dive into why Rogan thinks this was a colossal mistake and explore the broader implications of McGregor’s career choices.
Conor McGregor’s journey in the UFC has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with unforgettable highs and lows. From his jaw-dropping 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo—a finish so iconic it’s still debated as one of the greatest in UFC history—to his historic rise as the first simultaneous double champion, McGregor has left an indelible mark on the sport. Yet, his legacy is also tarnished by controversies like the Brooklyn bus attack, which showcased his volatile side outside the Octagon. Despite these moments, it’s the gruesome leg break he suffered against Dustin Poirier in 2021 that lingers as the final memory for many fans.
But what if that fight had never happened? During a recent episode of his JRE MMA Show, Rogan revealed that McGregor had entered the bout with pre-existing stress fractures in his left shin. ‘Broken shins creep me out,’ Rogan admitted, emphasizing the severity of the injury. ‘If I were his friend, I would’ve told him, ‘You cannot fight.’ It’s as simple as that.’ This raises a critical question: Should fighters prioritize long-term health over short-term glory?
McGregor’s decision to fight despite the injury wasn’t just a personal risk—it was a gamble that could have ended his career. Rogan pointed out that McGregor’s shin didn’t even break in the typical way, highlighting how compromised it was. ‘They knew something was wrong,’ Rogan said, referring to the MRIs McGregor had undergone. This begs another controversial question: How much responsibility do coaches, doctors, and promoters bear in preventing fighters from competing when injured?
Fast forward to today, and McGregor’s return to the Octagon remains uncertain. Over four years since his last fight, many have written him off, but the Irishman isn’t ready to hang up the gloves. He’s eyeing a comeback at the UFC White House event next June and has even hinted at pursuing a historic third divisional title. Yet, given his injury history, one has to wonder: Is McGregor biting off more than he can chew?
Adding fuel to the fire, McGregor recently expressed interest in a grudge match with Islam Makhachev, the welterweight champion who dethroned Jack Della Maddalena. ‘I’m motivated,’ McGregor declared while tending bar at his Dublin pub, The Black Forge Inn. ‘I want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown.’ But here’s the kicker: Does McGregor stand a chance against a dominant fighter like Makhachev, especially after such a prolonged absence?
As fans, we’re left with more questions than answers. Was UFC 264 the fight that broke McGregor—both physically and metaphorically? Should fighters like McGregor be allowed to compete when their health is clearly at risk? And most importantly, what does the future hold for one of the most polarizing figures in MMA history?
What do you think? Would McGregor have listened to Rogan’s advice? Does he have a shot at Makhachev? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the debate alive!
