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UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3
The poster for UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3
PromotionUltimate Fighting Championship
DateJuly 10, 2021 (2021-07-10)
VenueT-Mobile Arena
CityParadise, Nevada, United States
Attendance20,062[1]
Total gate$15,759,800[1]
Buyrate1,800,000[2]
Event chronology
UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3 UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moisés

UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on July 10, 2021 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, United States.[3]

Background

[edit]
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFC has been hosting most of its events in Las Vegas at the UFC Apex facility, all of them behind closed doors.[4] This was the first time since UFC 248 in March 2020 that T-Mobile Arena hosted an event, with a full capacity crowd attending it.[5]

A lightweight trilogy between former interim UFC Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier and former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor headlined the event.[6] Their first fight was a featherweight bout that happened in September 2014 at UFC 178, where McGregor won by first-round technical knockout.[7] They then ascended to lightweight for an eventual rematch in January 2021 at UFC 257, where Poirier prevailed via second-round knockout.[8] During fight week, it was revealed that former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos was selected by the organization to serve as a potential replacement in case of need.[9]

A middleweight bout between former KSW Welterweight Champion and Dricus du Plessis and Trevin Giles was scheduled to take place at UFC on ESPN: Brunson vs. Holland, but du Plessis was pulled from the event due to visa issues which restricted his travel.[10] The pairing was rescheduled and took place at this event.[11]

A welterweight bout between Sean Brady and former interim UFC Lightweight Championship challenger Kevin Lee was expected to take place at the event.[12] However, Lee withdrew due to injury and the bout was removed from the event.[13]

A bantamweight bout between Sean O'Malley and Louis Smolka was expected to take place at the event.[14] However on June 29, Smolka withdrew due to an undisclosed injury.[15] He was replaced by promotional newcomer Kris Moutinho.[16]

At the weigh-ins, Irene Aldana weighed in at 139.5 pounds, three and a half pounds over the bantamweight non-title fight limit. Her bout proceeded at catchweight and she was fined 30% of her purse, which went to her opponent Yana Kunitskaya.[17]

On July 9, it was announced that the UFC would be increasing bonuses (Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night) from $50,000 to $75,000 for this event.[18]

A middleweight bout between Alen Amedovski and Hu Yaozong was scheduled to be the first preliminary bout of the event.[19] However, it was cancelled just hours before taking place due to COVID-19 protocol issues in Amedovski's camp.[20]

Results

[edit]
Main card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Lightweight Dustin Poirier def. Conor McGregor TKO (doctor stoppage) 1 5:00
Welterweight Gilbert Burns def. Stephen Thompson Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Heavyweight Tai Tuivasa def. Greg Hardy KO (punches) 1 1:07
Catchweight (139.5 lb) Irene Aldana def. Yana Kunitskaya TKO (punches) 1 4:35
Bantamweight Sean O'Malley def. Kris Moutinho TKO (punches) 3 4:33
Preliminary card (ESPN / ESPN+)
Welterweight Max Griffin def. Carlos Condit Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) 3 5:00
Welterweight Michel Pereira def. Niko Price Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Featherweight Ilia Topuria def. Ryan Hall KO (punches) 1 4:47
Middleweight Dricus du Plessis def. Trevin Giles KO (punches) 2 1:41
Early preliminary card (ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass)
Women's Flyweight Jennifer Maia def. Jessica Eye Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) 3 5:00
Middleweight Brad Tavares def. Omari Akhmedov Decision (split) (28–29, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Flyweight Zhalgas Zhumagulov def. Jerome Rivera Submission (guillotine choke) 1 2:02

[21]

Bonus awards

[edit]

The following fighters received $75,000 bonuses.[22]

  • Fight of the Night: Sean O'Malley vs. Kris Moutinho
  • Performance of the Night: Tai Tuivasa and Dricus du Plessis

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

UFC 264

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from Grokipedia
UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3 was a event produced by the (UFC) that took place on July 10, 2021, at in , . The event marked the trilogy bout in the division between former interim UFC Lightweight Champion and former two-division UFC Champion , following their previous encounters in 2014 and earlier in 2021. It was the first UFC event held at full capacity since the onset of the , drawing a sold-out crowd of 20,062 spectators and generating a live gate of $15,759,800. In the main event, Poirier defeated McGregor via doctor stoppage technical at 5:00 of the first round after McGregor suffered a severe and in his left leg from landing a . In the single round fought, Poirier landed 36 of 66 significant strikes (54% accuracy), while McGregor landed 27 of 38 significant strikes (71% accuracy). The injury, which occurred without direct impact from Poirier, ended the fight dramatically and sidelined McGregor for over a year, significantly impacting his career trajectory. On the main card, Brazilian welterweight earned a victory over Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson in a closely contested matchup, while Sean O'Malley dominated Kris Moutinho with a third-round TKO in a bout that highlighted O'Malley's striking prowess. Heavyweight knocked out Greg in the first round, and Irene stopped Yana Kunitskaya via first-round TKO in the women's division. The preliminary card featured notable outcomes, including Max Griffin's unanimous decision win over in the division, marking a competitive farewell performance for the veteran Condit. defeated via unanimous decision in the division. Other prelim results included Brad Tavares defeating Omari Akhmedov by split decision, knocking out Ryan Hall in the first round, and winning a unanimous decision against . Early prelims featured knocking out in 7 seconds, submitting Jerome Rivera in the first round, and the bout between and ending in a second-round for du Plessis. Commercially, UFC 264 was a massive success, reportedly achieving between 1.7 and 1.8 million buys worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing UFC events in history at the time. The event's high profile stemmed from the intense rivalry between Poirier and McGregor, amplified by pre-fight and the trilogy's stakes following McGregor's loss to Poirier five months prior. Post-event, UFC President hinted at potential future matchups, though McGregor's recovery delayed any immediate rematch discussions.

Background

McGregor–Poirier Rivalry

The rivalry between and began at on September 27, 2014, where McGregor secured a first-round victory over Poirier via punches at 1:46, propelling the Irish fighter into the spotlight as an emerging superstar in the UFC division. At the time, McGregor was undefeated in the UFC at 4-0, and the emphatic win over the established contender Poirier showcased his precision striking and confidence, marking a pivotal moment in his ascent toward dual-division championship status. The pair rematched over six years later at UFC 257 on January 23, 2021, with Poirier exacting revenge through a second-round TKO via punches at 2:32, dropping McGregor with a left hook and finishing him against the fence. This marked McGregor's first defeat since his submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018, ending a 1-0 streak in the intervening period and reigniting debates about his form. In the immediate aftermath, McGregor expressed determination for redemption, stating in a social media post that he "didn't feel the punch" and emphasizing his intent to return stronger, while his coach John Kavanagh revealed the camp was aggressively pursuing an immediate trilogy bout. Poirier, meanwhile, acknowledged the even series in his post-fight interview, noting, "We're 1-1... Maybe we have to do it again," signaling his openness to a decider while highlighting the personal growth from their initial clash. For McGregor, the stakes centered on reclaiming his elite status and silencing critics amid a career slowdown; for Poirier, the rivalry represented validation of his perseverance, transforming a career-defining early setback into a platform for proving his contention-level prowess. This trilogy buildup unfolded against the backdrop of McGregor's post-championship trajectory, where after capturing the lightweight title against Eddie Alvarez in November 2016—making him the first simultaneous two-division champion—his UFC activity waned with a high-profile boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017, followed by the dominant loss to Nurmagomedov in 2018 and sporadic wins thereafter. Poirier's path, conversely, illustrated a classic resurgence: following the 2014 defeat, he captured the interim lightweight title against Max Holloway in April 2019 but lost it to Khabib Nurmagomedov in September 2019; he then won a unanimous decision over Dan Hooker on June 27, 2020, and entered the rematch as the No. 2-ranked contender, solidifying his status as a durable top lightweight after overcoming earlier inconsistencies. The rivalry thus encapsulated contrasting narratives—McGregor's quest to revive past dominance versus Poirier's affirmation as a mainstay elite fighter—setting the stage for their decisive third encounter at UFC 264.

Promotional Hype and Controversies

The promotion of UFC 264 centered on the intense trilogy bout between and , positioning it as one of the UFC's premier events with significant commercial potential. UFC executives, including president , highlighted the matchup's draw, predicting it could generate up to 1.8 million pay-per-view buys and shatter previous records set by McGregor's fights. The organization launched multiple promotional trailers emphasizing the rivals' history, with clips circulating widely on platforms and garnering millions of views through targeted campaigns that amplified the personal stakes. This buildup transformed the event into a global spectacle, leveraging McGregor's star power to drive fan engagement across interviews and digital content. The media tour featured provocative exchanges that heightened anticipation, with White publicly stating the winner would earn a lightweight title shot, underscoring the fight's implications for divisional supremacy. Key interviews saw McGregor boast of ending Poirier's career, while Poirier countered by questioning McGregor's aura, describing him as a diminished version of his former self. These moments, amplified through outlets like and , fueled predictions of a high-stakes , with White emphasizing the trilogy's narrative as a redemption arc for McGregor following his knockout loss to Poirier at UFC 257. The pre-fight press conference on July 8, 2021, at in exemplified McGregor's erratic demeanor, as he unleashed a barrage of insults, labeling Poirier a "fake c***" and accusing him of tapping out illegally in their prior encounter. Tensions peaked during the , where McGregor attempted a toward Poirier's , prompting security to separate them amid a near-brawl. Poirier later reflected that McGregor appeared "unsure of himself and scared," projecting an image of overcompensation that contrasted with his usual confidence. Controversies marred the hype, particularly surrounding McGregor's unfulfilled $500,000 donation pledge to Poirier's Good Fight Foundation after , which he instead directed to a different charity, sparking accusations of broken promises and escalating their . Poirier, motivated by , committed his entire UFC 264 purse to the foundation to support underprivileged , framing the fight as a charitable endeavor amid the personal barbs. McGregor's turned deeply personal, including attacks on Poirier's wife, which intensified animosity and drew criticism for crossing ethical lines. Doubts about McGregor's fitness persisted, with observers noting his visibly softened physique and disjointed responses during promotions, raising questions about his preparation just six months after the defeat.

Event Details

Date, Venue, and Logistics

UFC 264 took place on July 10, 2021, at the in , part of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The main card began at 10:00 p.m. ET, following preliminary bouts starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+, with early prelims airing from 6:00 p.m. ET on . The has a seating capacity of approximately 20,000 for UFC events. The event drew an announced attendance of 20,062 fans and generated a live gate revenue of $15,759,800, marking one of the highest-grossing UFC events at the time. As part of the UFC's annual International Fight Week, the event included various fan experiences and ceremonial activities leading up to the fights. weigh-ins occurred on , 2021, at the . Although had lifted most capacity restrictions by mid-2021, some protocols remained in effect, but masks were not required for vaccinated individuals inside the venue.

Broadcasting and Commercial Aspects

The main card of UFC 264 was distributed via (PPV) on ESPN+ in the United States, where it was priced at $69.99 for existing ESPN+ subscribers or $84.98 bundled with a one-year ESPN+ subscription. The preliminary card aired on ESPN and ESPN+, while early prelims were streamed exclusively on . Internationally, the event received coverage through various broadcasters, including BT Sport in the United Kingdom, where the main card was available for £19.95 via BT Sport Box Office. This multi-platform approach leveraged UFC's partnership with ESPN, which had been the exclusive U.S. broadcaster since 2019, to maximize global accessibility. UFC 264 achieved approximately 1.8 million PPV buys worldwide, including about 1.3 million in the United States and 500,000 internationally, marking it as the second highest-selling UFC event in company history behind UFC 229. These figures generated over $120 million in PPV revenue, underscoring the event's draw driven by the McGregor-Poirier trilogy. The broadcast featured play-by-play commentary from , with color analysis provided by and former UFC champion , whose expertise enhanced the event's narrative depth for viewers. Commercially, UFC 264 benefited from key sponsorships, including Bud Light as the official beer partner, which integrated branding across broadcasts and venue activations, and as the exclusive outfitter providing branded apparel for fighters. Merchandise sales surged due to the McGregor-Poirier rivalry's promotional momentum, with Venum-linked products like fight-specific gear contributing to heightened consumer interest in UFC apparel. The event's robust financial performance, as UFC's first major PPV post-COVID-19 restrictions, played a pivotal role in bolstering the organization's revenue streams and aiding its recovery from pandemic-related disruptions.

Fight Card

Main Card Bouts

The main card for UFC 264 featured five bouts, broadcast on , headlined by the trilogy matchup between and . The headline bout was a non-title matchup between (27-6, 1 NC) and (22-4). Poirier, ranked No. 3 in the division and a former interim title challenger, entered on a two-fight win streak, including a victory over McGregor six months prior, positioning him for a potential run at the . McGregor, the former and titleholder, aimed to reclaim momentum in the division after a year away from competition, with the winner expected to solidify their status as a top contender. The co-main event was a bout between (19-4) and Stephen Thompson (16-4-1), carrying major stakes for the division's title picture. Burns, ranked No. 2 after a recent unsuccessful challenge for Kamaru Usman's title earlier in the year, sought a rebound victory to remain in contention, leveraging his black belt expertise and grappling prowess. Thompson, ranked No. 4 and known for his elite karate-based striking, aimed to extend his standing as a perennial top contender and potentially earn another title opportunity with a win. The bantamweight matchup pitted Sean O'Malley (13-1) against Kris Moutinho (6-2) in a bout that showcased O'Malley's striking against Moutinho's UFC debut and aggressive style. O'Malley, ranked No. 14 in the division, entered on a four-fight win streak within the UFC, known for his unorthodox kicks and knockout power. Moutinho, a alum, aimed to make an immediate impact in his promotional debut. The heavyweight bout featured (10-3) against (6-1), both power punchers looking to build momentum in a stacked division. Tuivasa, an Australian knockout artist on a two-fight win streak, brought explosive striking and entertainment value, while Hardy, a former defensive end in his fourth UFC appearance, relied on raw athleticism and one-punch finishing ability to climb the rankings. A victory for either could propel them into the top 15. Rounding out the main card was a women's bout between (12-6) and Yana Kunitskaya (13-5). Aldana, ranked No. 4 and a former title challenger, utilized her and to seek a win that could position her for another shot at the belt. Kunitskaya, ranked No. 7 with a background in and a prior title fight experience, aimed to climb the rankings with her technical striking.
OrderWeight ClassFighter 1Recordvs.Fighter 2Record
127-6 (1 NC)vs.22-4
219-4vs.Stephen Thompson16-4-1
3Sean O'Malley13-1vs.Kris Moutinho6-2
4Heavyweight10-3vs.6-1
5Women's 12-6vs.Yana Kunitskaya13-5

Preliminary Card Bouts

The preliminary card for UFC 264 consisted of seven bouts divided between early prelims on and prelims on , featuring a mix of veterans, prospects, and UFC debuts across multiple weight classes.

Early Preliminary Card

The early preliminary card opened with three matchups, highlighting established contenders and fighters seeking momentum in their divisions. In the women's flyweight division, former UFC Women's Flyweight Championship challenger faced veteran . Maia, a black belt ranked in the top 10 of the flyweight division at the time, brought her expertise and experience from high-stakes fights, while Eye, an American with a background in , aimed to rebound from recent setbacks and re-enter contention discussions. A middleweight bout pitted ranked veteran against . Tavares, a Hawaiian striker with over a decade in the UFC and known for his technical and durability, held a spot in the top 15, making this a critical fight for divisional standing. Akhmedov, a Russian wrestler who had competed across and , sought to solidify his position after a series of wins and losses in the promotion. The flyweight opener featured Zhalgas Zhumagulov versus Jerome Rivera. Zhumagulov, a Kazakh wrestler making his second appearance after a debut win in 2020, represented a prospect with strong grappling credentials from regional promotions. Rivera, an American making his UFC debut after signing via , brought aggressive wrestling and finishing ability.

Preliminary Card

The ESPN prelims included four welterweight and featherweight/middleweight bouts, emphasizing stylistic contrasts and potential rankings implications. In welterweight action, former WEC Welterweight Champion and UFC interim title challenger met . Condit, a 37-year-old native renowned for his karate-based striking and submission skills, entered what would be a pivotal moment in his long career marked by wars against top competition. Griffin, a 35-year-old wrestler-turned-striker on an upswing with recent victories, aimed to capitalize on his momentum against a legend. Another clash saw take on . Price, a 31-year-old Florida-based finisher celebrated for his chaotic, high-volume brawls and knockout power, brought entertainment value to the card. Pereira, a 27-year-old Brazilian showman with a flair for acrobatic submissions and strikes, entered his second UFC bout following a debut win in 2020 via . At , grappling ace Ryan Hall opposed . Hall, a 35-year-old English submission specialist and former TUF winner known for his unorthodox leg locks, sought to revive his career after a layoff. Topuria, a 24-year-old undefeated Georgian fighter based in with a boxing-heavy style and title, debuted in the UFC as a highly touted European prospect. The co-main prelim featured against . Giles, a 36-year-old wrestler with a balanced skill set and multiple UFC wins, competed as a reliable gatekeeper in the division. Du Plessis, a 27-year-old South African making his UFC debut after capturing the KSW Championship, entered with an unblemished record and explosive striking from his background. Originally scheduled as the event opener on the early prelims was a bout between Alen Amedovski and Hu Yaozong, but it was canceled on fight day due to protocols affecting Amedovski. Amedovski, a Macedonian fighter with a foundation, and Yaozong, a Chinese heavyweight-turned- returning after a three-year absence since his 2018 UFC debut loss, were both seeking their first victory.

Results

Main Card

The main card featured five bouts, with four ending in stoppages and one by decision.
BoutWinnerLoserMethodRoundTimeScore
Lightweight: vs. TKO (doctor stoppage due to leg fracture)15:00N/A
Significant strikes in the main event: Dustin Poirier landed 36 of 66 (54% accuracy), Conor McGregor landed 27 of 38 (71% accuracy). | : vs. Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson | | Stephen Thompson | | 3 | 5:00 | 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 | | : O'Malley vs. Moutinho | O'Malley | Moutinho | TKO (punches) | 3 | 4:33 | N/A | | : vs. | | | KO (punch) | 1 | 1:07 | N/A | | Women's : vs. Yana Kunitskaya | | Yana Kunitskaya | TKO (punches and elbows) | 1 | 4:35 | N/A |

Preliminary Card

The preliminary card consisted of five bouts broadcast on ESPN, including three decisions and two stoppages.
BoutWinnerLoserMethodRoundTimeScore
Welterweight: Max Griffin vs. Carlos ConditMax GriffinCarlos ConditUnanimous Decision35:0030-27, 29-28, 29-28
Welterweight: Michel Pereira vs. Niko PriceMichel PereiraNiko PriceUnanimous Decision35:0029-28, 29-28, 29-28
Featherweight: Ilia Topuria vs. Ryan HallIlia TopuriaRyan HallTKO (punches)14:47N/A
Middleweight: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Trevin GilesDricus Du PlessisTrevin GilesKO (punches)21:41N/A
Middleweight: Brad Tavares vs. Omari AkhmedovBrad TavaresOmari AkhmedovSplit Decision35:0029-28, 29-28, 28-29

Early Preliminary Card

The early preliminary card on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass included two bouts, with one decision and one submission.
BoutWinnerLoserMethodRoundTimeScore
Women's Flyweight: vs. Jessica Eye35:0030-27, 29-28, 29-28
Flyweight: vs. Jerome RiveraJerome RiveraSubmission ()12:02N/A
Notable stats from the event include five stoppages in the first round across the card, with a total fight time of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes for the main and prelim bouts.

Performance Bonuses

At UFC 264, the awarded its traditional post-event performance bonuses to recognize standout efforts, with the prize amounts increased to $75,000 each for this high-profile event. The bonuses totaled $300,000, distributed across four recipients, highlighting the promotion's emphasis on finishes and high-entertainment value in combat sports. The Fight of the Night bonus went to Sean O'Malley and Kris Moutinho for their bout, which opened the main card and featured relentless striking exchanges despite Moutinho's late-notice entry and eventual third-round stoppage loss. Each fighter received $75,000, underscoring the award's focus on bouts that captivate audiences through intensity and resilience, even without a prolonged duration. Performance of the Night honors were given to two fighters for dominant finishes: earned $75,000 for his first-round of in a clash, delivering a powerful combination that ended the fight emphatically. Similarly, secured $75,000 for his second-round of in the division, overcoming an early deficit with a decisive striking flurry. These awards prioritized individual displays of finishing power and technical prowess. UFC President announced the bonuses during the post-fight , a standard practice that immediately celebrates exceptional performances and aligns with the organization's goal of promoting thrilling action. This event's elevated payouts reflected the card's significance as a marquee matchup, further incentivizing fighters to pursue aggressive, fan-pleasing outcomes. These awards exemplify the UFC's longstanding tradition of performance bonuses, introduced in 2001 to attract talent and encourage exciting fights by rewarding knockouts, submissions, and competitive bouts over decisions. Over two decades, the system has evolved into a key retention tool, with Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night categories consistently emphasizing entertainment value and decisive victories across hundreds of events.

Aftermath

Immediate Reactions and Injuries

Following the main event at UFC 264 on July 10, 2021, suffered a severe injury when his left leg buckled after attempting a that was checked by , resulting in compound fractures of his and . was immediately attended to by medical staff in the and transported via ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation and stabilization. McGregor underwent successful surgery on July 12, 2021, at in , where an was inserted into his along with a plate and screws to repair the . The procedure, lasting approximately three hours, was performed by Dr. and Dr. Milton Little, who reported that McGregor was "feeling tremendous" post-operation and expected a full recovery with time. From his hospital bed, McGregor released a video statement vowing to return to the , stating his determination to bounce back stronger despite the setback. In his interview immediately after the victory, Poirier expressed a mix of triumph and sympathy for McGregor's injury, noting, "I hate that it ended that way... I'm sorry for him," while emphasizing his satisfaction with the performance that led to the TKO win. The crowd at reacted with stunned silence turning to murmurs of shock as McGregor was stretchered out, underscoring the abrupt and gruesome nature of the conclusion to the highly anticipated bout. UFC President addressed the injury during the post-fight press conference, praising Poirier's striking and ground work as "phenomenal" and confirming that no rematch with McGregor would be considered until the Irish fighter had fully healed, with initial media speculation focusing on the potential long-term impact on McGregor's career given the injury's severity.

Long-Term Consequences

The leg injury sustained by Conor McGregor during UFC 264 profoundly shaped his career trajectory, leading to an extended hiatus that lasted over four years without a return to the Octagon as of November 2025. Following the tibia and fibula fractures in his loss to Dustin Poirier, McGregor underwent surgery and rehabilitation, but persistent complications, including a metal rod insertion, delayed any comeback attempts. He was scheduled to return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler in June 2024 but withdrew due to a broken toe on his left foot. This absence fueled widespread retirement speculation, compounded by his involvement in legal battles, such as a civil assault case stemming from a 2018 incident that resulted in a jury finding liability in November 2024 with €248,603 in damages awarded, followed by an order on December 5, 2024, to pay approximately €1.5 million in legal costs. McGregor's prolonged inactivity shifted public focus from his in-ring dominance to his off-octagon persona, diminishing his immediate influence on the UFC's lightweight landscape. In contrast, Dustin Poirier's victory at UFC 264 propelled him toward sustained prominence in the lightweight division, culminating in a title challenge against at in December 2021 for the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship, where he lost via submission in the third round. This performance, combined with subsequent high-profile bouts against Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev, cemented Poirier's status as a perennial top contender and fan favorite, amassing a 30-9 record over his . Poirier retired on July 19, 2025, following a unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway in a BMF title trilogy bout at UFC 318 in New Orleans, announcing his departure to prioritize family and reflect on a legacy defined by resilience and charitable impact through his Good Fight Foundation. UFC 264's legacy extended beyond the main event, shattering records with an estimated 1.8 million buys worldwide—second only to —contributing to the UFC's strongest financial year in 2021 and underscoring McGregor's enduring draw even in defeat. The event popularized bookings as a narrative device, influencing subsequent high-stakes rematches like Oliveira vs. Poirier and encouraging the UFC to leverage star power for revenue growth. For undercard fighters, it marked pivotal moments: debuted with a win, accelerating his rise as a prospect. Broader implications of UFC 264 reverberated through MMA, igniting debates on the dangers of low leg kicks after McGregor's graphic injury highlighted risks of shin-on-calf impacts leading to fractures, prompting fighters and coaches to emphasize better conditioning protocols. The UFC responded by refining medical stoppage guidelines and post-fight evaluations, as seen in enhanced orthopedic screenings for subsequent events. In the division, McGregor's extended absence created opportunities for Oliveira's title reign and Makhachev's dominance, reshaping contender hierarchies and reducing the division's reliance on crossover stars, while underscoring the fragility of elite careers in a sport demanding peak physical condition.

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  23. https://www.si.com/mma/2021/07/10/dana-white-inside-look-ufc-264
  24. https://cagesidepress.com/2021/07/09/dustin-poirier-ufc-264-foe-mcgregor-auras-not-anymore/
  25. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31773060/dana-white-conor-mcgregor-gets-dustin-poirier-reclaims-belt-go-one-greatest-all
  26. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/8/22569519/conor-mcgregor-erupts-name-calling-at-ufc-264-press-conference-but-dustin-poirier-wins-war-of-words
  27. https://nypost.com/2021/07/08/poirier-outshines-f-king-weak-conor-mcgregor-at-ufc-264-presser/
  28. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/9/22569803/dustin-poirier-conor-mcgregor-ufc-264-i-saw-guy-who-is-unsure-himself-scared-trying-hype-himself-up
  29. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31243205/dustin-poirier-conor-mcgregor-quarrel-500k-donation
  30. https://nypost.com/2021/07/10/ufc-264-500k-dispute-turned-conor-mcgregor-dustin-poirier-feud-nasty/
  31. https://www.news.com.au/sport/ufc/im-gonna-kill-this-man-conor-mcgregor-kicks-poirier-in-wild-press-conference/news-story/6983bc4f090553540b548cb59bcdd048
  32. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-264-start-time-conor-mcgregor-vs-dustin-poirier-3-live-stream-fight-card-prelims-ppv-price-tv/
  33. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/conor-mcgregor-dustin-poirier-host-capacity-crowd-ufc/story?id=77066263
  34. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-264-post-event-facts-dustin-poirier-records-history-most-wins-knockouts-lightweight-history
  35. https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-264-poirier-vs-mcgregor-3-public-events-schedule-dustin-conor-t-mobile-arena-vegas
  36. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/shopping/how-to-watch-ufc-264-poirier-mcgregor-3-1234980117/
  37. https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasting/bt-sport-in-the-octagon-for-ufc-264/5161061.article
  38. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/07/ufc-264-poirier-vs-mcgregor-3-live-saturday-on-espn/
  39. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/13/22575650/ufc-264-reportedly-sells-1-8-million-ppv-buys-globally-second-highest-selling-card-in-ufc-history
  40. https://www.givemesport.com/biggest-earning-ufc-ppv-events-in-history-ranked/
  41. https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-and-venum-announce-long-term-extension-exclusive-global-outfitting-and-apparel-partnership
  42. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2021/07/13/ufc-264-pay-per-view-sales-dustin-poirier-conor-mcgregor-trilogy-highest-selling/81534932007/
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4206848/2021/07/06/conor-mcgregor-vs-dustin-poirier-3-records-measurements-how-to-watch-ufc-264/
  44. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dustin-Poirier-50529
  45. https://bjjfanatics.com/blogs/fighters/gilbert-burns
  46. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-264-results-highlights-gilbert-burns-edges-stephen-thompson-maintains-spot-atop-welterweight-rankings/
  47. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Stephen-Thompson-59608
  48. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/sean-omalley
  49. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kris-Moutinho-224815
  50. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Tai-Tuivasa-133745
  51. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Greg-Hardy-271461
  52. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/irene-aldana
  53. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Yana-Kunitskaya-45679
  54. https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-264-poirier-vs-mcgregor-3-results-wonderboy-burns-highlights-interviews-winners
  55. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/jennifer-maia
  56. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/brad-tavares
  57. https://www.ufc.com/news/fighters-rise-ufc-264-edition-griffin-topuria-giles-read
  58. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/jerome-rivera
  59. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/carlos-condit
  60. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/michel-pereira
  61. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/ilia-topuria
  62. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/dricus-du-plessis
  63. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2021/07/10/ufc-264-loses-alen-amedovski-vs-yu-haozong-covid-19/81537513007/
  64. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-264-results-highlights-tai-tuivasa-knocks-out-greg-hardy-in-round-1-drinks-from-a-shoe-in-celebration/
  65. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/10/22571927/ufc-264-results-irene-aldana-drops-yana-kunitskaya-finishes-with-vicious-ground-pound-in-first-round
  66. http://ufcstats.com/event-details/8a0be41c0380188d
  67. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/9/22570993/ufc-264-fight-night-bonuses-raised-to-75000
  68. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2021/07/11/ufc-264-bonuses-75000-kris-moutinho-sean-omalley-tai-tuivasa-dricus-du-plessis/81536723007/
  69. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/11/22572029/ufc-264-bonuses-kris-moutinho-earns-share-of-fight-of-the-night-for-gutsy-performance
  70. https://www.lowkickmma.com/ufc-264-bonuses/
  71. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2664615-how-the-ufc-turned-its-bonus-system-into-a-weapon
  72. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7072/7/1/13
  73. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31795875/mma-fighters-react-conor-mcgregor-leg-injury-loss-dustin-poirier-ufc-264
  74. https://www.menshealth.com/health/a36997975/conor-mcgregor-broken-leg-ufc-264-brian-sutterer-update/
  75. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2021/07/11/ufc-264-conor-mcgregor-successful-broken-leg-surgery-rod-screws-plate-loss/81536217007/
  76. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/conor-mcgregor-feeling-tremendous-after-surgery-focused-on-return-idUSKBN2EI1QK/
  77. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/31804048/conor-mcgregor-confident-come-back-better-ever-successful-three-hour-leg-surgery
  78. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/dana-white-reacts-to-conor-mcgregors-injury-says-rematch-with-dustin-poirier-possible-when-healed/
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