Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier have had one of the most bitter rivalries in UFC history. Over the years, their encounters have been filled with personal insults and brutal battles inside the octagon. From their first fight in 2014 to their dramatic trilogy, these two have never truly seen eye to eye.

Their war of words outside the cage has been just as fierce as their fights. However, despite all the bitterness, there have been moments where McGregor and Poirier have shown respect for each other. Here are three instances where they put their rivalry aside and displayed mutual admiration.

Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier UFC 257– the backstage respect

After Dustin Poirier knocked out Conor McGregor in their rematch at UFC 257, many expected McGregor to lash out in frustration. Instead, he displayed humility and respect. Backstage, the two fighters shared a brief but meaningful conversation. McGregor acknowledged Poirier’s performance and congratulated him on the win.

A video of their exchange was posted online, showing McGregor saying, “Good man, we’ll do it again.” Moreover, the two talked briefly about their battle inside the octagon. This moment stood out as a rare instance where McGregor accepted defeat with grace, giving credit to Poirier for his impressive victory. Fans appreciated seeing this side of McGregor, proving that beneath his brash persona, he respected Poirier’s skills.

McGregor’s tweet for Poirier after UFC 299

Even after their fiery history, McGregor has publicly praised Poirier’s performances. One of the most recent examples came after UFC 299, when Poirier delivered a stunning knockout win over Benoit Saint-Denis.

McGregor, who is usually active on social media with controversial takes, took a different approach. He tweeted, “Great fight out of them French boys tonight! Toutes nos félicitations @DustinPoirier @BenoitSt_Denis @EmmanuelMacron.” While the message was lighthearted, it was still a clear nod to Poirier’s skill and fighting spirit.

Moreover, ‘The Diamond’ had an interesting reply to his comment. This showed that even though their rivalry was still alive, McGregor recognized and respected Poirier’s ability inside the octagon.

Poirier’s honest words about McGregor’s career

Despite their long-standing feud, Poirier has always acknowledged McGregor’s achievements. In a recent podcast, he made a thoughtful comment about McGregor’s career trajectory. He referenced how the Irishman’s wealth and success might have impacted his motivation. “The money he made after he fought Floyd, you know. Made a hundred million bucks fighting Floyd”, he said.

“Then came back defending belts, making really good money. He got rich, started his business. Sold it for a couple hundred million. Like Marvin Hagler said, it’s hard to wake up and run those miles when you sleep in silk sheets,” Poirier added. Rather than mocking McGregor, the Lousiana-born gave an insightful take on how success changes a fighter’s hunger. This moment stood out as a genuine reflection rather than an insult.

Despite all the trash talk and heated moments, McGregor and Poirier have shown glimpses of mutual respect. Whether backstage after a fight, on social media, or in interviews, these moments remind fans that beneath the rivalry, there is an underlying admiration. MMA is a brutal sport, but respect between warriors always shines through in the end.