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 a fight that ended in a gruesome injury. But here’s where it gets controversial: Rogan thinks McGregor’s decision to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 was a colossal mistake, one that could have been avoided. Let’s dive into why this opinion is sparking debate and what it means for McGregor’s future in the Octagon.
Conor McGregor’s UFC journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with unforgettable highs and lows. From his jaw-dropping 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo—a moment etched in MMA history—to his controversial bus attack in Brooklyn, ‘The Notorious’ has always been a magnet for attention. Yet, the last image fans hold of McGregor in the Octagon is the harrowing leg break he suffered against Dustin Poirier in 2021. According to Rogan, this fight should never have happened.
During a recent episode of his JRE MMA Show, Rogan revealed that McGregor had pre-existing stress fractures in his left shin before the bout. ‘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.’ This wasn’t just a minor issue—McGregor’s shin was so compromised that it snapped in a way Rogan described as ‘unnatural.’
But here’s the part most people miss: McGregor’s team was aware of the fractures, yet the fight still went ahead. Rogan’s stance raises a thought-provoking question: Should fighters prioritize long-term health over short-term glory? And if so, who bears the responsibility—the fighter, their team, or the organization?
Despite the injury, McGregor hasn’t ruled out a comeback. He’s eyeing the UFC White House event next June and even hinted at pursuing a historic third divisional title. However, Rogan’s skepticism lingers—would another high-stakes fight be wise? Adding fuel to the fire, McGregor recently expressed interest in facing Islam Makhachev, the welterweight champion. Is this ambition or recklessness?
Speaking of iconic finishes, can any UFC moment rival McGregor vs. Aldo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. And while you’re at it, weigh in on this: Do you think McGregor stands a chance against Makhachev, or is he biting off more than he can chew?
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