Colby Covington blasts Dustin Poirier over Conor McGregor comments

Colby Covington unloads on Dustin Poirier over McGregor comments

Colby Covington, the former UFC interim welterweight champion, tore into Dustin Poirier on 15 July 2026 after Poirier mocked Conor McGregor’s brutal UFC 329 injury and comeback loss. Covington called Poirier a fraud and blasted his character during an interview with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck.

What Colby Covington said about Dustin Poirier

Covington didn’t hold back, labeling Poirier a “fraud” and “Louisiana swamp trash” for his comments about McGregor. “I’m not gonna kick him while he’s down,” Covington said. “Especially a guy that made Dustin’s career.” He also accused Poirier of being a “deadbeat father” and the “biggest fake nice guy” he’s ever seen, pointing to Poirier’s 2023 airport incident in Atlanta.

The retired welterweight took aim at Poirier’s refusal to take accountability, saying the former interim champ blamed his own failures on his father. Covington also slammed Poirier’s hypocrisy, noting the timing of his remarks on Father’s Day. “Off camera, he’s a piece of [expletive] person,” Covington added.

Why it matters for Colby Covington

This feud isn’t new. Covington and Poirier were once teammates at American Top Team before their falling out in 2020. Covington left the camp amid public clashes with Poirier, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and Jorge Masvidal. The tension spilled into the public eye again as Covington, now retired from the UFC, called out Poirier’s latest comments.

Covington’s UFC career ended in December 2024 with a first-round TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley. He then debuted in Real American Freestyle wrestling in January 2025 before officially retiring from MMA in May 2026. Yet his competitive fire still burns-he’s scheduled to face Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11 on Saturday.

What comes next for Colby Covington

Covington’s focus now shifts to his upcoming grappling match against Tsarukyan at RAF 11. The 38-year-old remains open to a potential MMA return if the right fight comes along. Meanwhile, his latest verbal jab at Poirier keeps the rivalry alive, even as both men pursue new ventures outside the Octagon.

McGregor, meanwhile, is still recovering from his ACL tear at UFC 329. Covington believes the Irish superstar will return, citing McGregor’s need for fighting to maintain structure in his life. “Conor still has that fire,” Covington said. “He needs it to keep everything sane in his mind.”