Colby Covington reacts to Conor McGregor’s injury at UFC 329, won’t ‘kick him while he’s down’ like Dustin Poirier

Colby Covington has weighed in on Conor McGregor's injury at UFC 329, taking a measured stance while firing shots at Dustin Poirier for his own criticism of the Irish star.

McGregor suffered a serious knee injury during his comeback fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on Saturday, resulting in a TKO loss. The injury marked another setback for McGregor, who had only recently returned to competition following a catastrophic leg break suffered against Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. Despite the disappointing result, McGregor has indicated he intends to return after surgery, though the full extent of the damage remains to be officially disclosed.

Covington, preparing for his own main event clash against Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11 in Milwaukee this Saturday, expressed respect for McGregor's star power and cultural impact on the sport. "McGregor is still a first ballot Hall of Famer and the biggest star the sport's ever seen," Covington told MMA Fighting, refusing to pile on criticism following the loss. The welterweight contender acknowledged the record gate revenue UFC achieved with McGregor's return and the electricity the fighter brings to events.

However, Covington harshly criticized Poirier for calling McGregor a "dirtbag" following the injury, contrasting his own restraint with Poirier's public remarks. Covington also referenced Poirier's recent Father's Day arrest for public drunkenness, using it as evidence of what he called Poirier's hypocrisy and fake public persona. The outspoken fighter argued that McGregor had actually mentored Poirier and helped guide his career.

Despite the setback, Covington believes McGregor will fight again, emphasizing that competition provides essential structure and focus for the former two-division champion. With one fight remaining on his UFC contract, Covington predicted McGregor will look to fulfill that obligation before considering his next steps.