Speaking about a hypothetical matchup between the two fan favorites, Poirier questioned whether McGregor would be willing or able to engage in the type of wild exchange that made Holloway’s iconic finish against Justin Gaethje one of the most memorable moments in UFC history.

“I don’t think Conor is going to be in physical shape to throw down with Max like that,” Poirier said.

What Is Poirier Referring To?

Poirier was referencing Holloway’s unforgettable UFC 300 victory over Justin Gaethje. With just seconds remaining in the fight, Holloway famously pointed to the center of the Octagon and invited Gaethje to stand and trade punches.

Gaethje accepted the challenge, and Holloway landed a devastating knockout with only one second left on the clock, producing one of the most iconic finishes the sport has ever seen.

Since then, fans have wondered whether other fighters would accept a similar invitation if Holloway pointed to the canvas during the closing moments of a fight.

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Why Does Poirier Doubt McGregor?

According to Poirier, the issue is not courage but conditioning.

McGregor has not competed since suffering a broken leg in his trilogy fight against Poirier in July 2021. Injuries, inactivity and years away from elite competition have raised questions about whether the former two-division UFC champion can still perform at the same level that made him one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Holloway, meanwhile, remains one of the most durable and high-volume strikers in MMA. Known for his exceptional cardio and relentless pace, the Hawaiian has repeatedly shown he can maintain a furious output deep into fights.

That contrast is why Poirier believes a last-second firefight would favor Holloway.

A Fight Fans Would Love to See

Despite Poirier’s doubts, a showdown between McGregor and Holloway remains one of the most intriguing potential matchups in MMA. The pair first met in 2013, with McGregor earning a unanimous decision victory early in both men’s UFC careers.

More than a decade later, both fighters are global stars, and a rematch would attract enormous attention.

Whether McGregor could match Holloway in a final 10-second shootout remains a matter of debate, but Poirier has made his position clear. If Holloway points to the center of the cage, he does not expect McGregor to answer the call.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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Headlined by a lightweight title unification clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, the event also features Alex Pereira’s move to heavyweight as he looks to make UFC history. With a one-of-a-kind venue and a stacked lineup, UFC Freedom 250 has generated significant attention ahead of fight night.

UFC Whitehouse Event details

The event takes place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.

UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET and marks the first UFC event ever held at the White House. The historic setting is expected to provide a unique atmosphere as the promotion celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with one of its most ambitious cards to date.

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How to watch

Fans can watch UFC Freedom 250 live on Paramount+.

While additional broadcast details have yet to be confirmed, the entire card is expected to stream live on the platform as part of the UFC’s broadcast partnership with CBS and Paramount.

Main event

The headline attraction features UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria taking on interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout.

Topuria enters the contest undefeated and has quickly established himself as one of the UFC’s biggest stars after capturing titles in two weight classes. Known for his knockout power and elite boxing, he will look to further cement his legacy against one of the division’s most respected veterans.

Gaethje remains one of the most exciting fighters in MMA history and has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances. The former interim champion will attempt to finally capture undisputed UFC gold while handing Topuria the first loss of his professional career.

The co-main event features former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight championship.

Pereira has already won titles in two UFC divisions and now seeks to become the first fighter in promotion history to capture championships in three different weight classes. Standing in his way is former interim heavyweight champion Gane, one of the most skilled and athletic heavyweights on the roster.

Main event undercard

• Sean O’Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi

• Josh Hokit vs Derrick Lewis

• Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler

• Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus

• Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia

Free prelims

No preliminary bouts have been officially announced at this time.

UFC Freedom 250 promises to be one of the most memorable events of the year, combining championship fights, historic storylines, and an unprecedented venue. Between Topuria’s title unification bout, Pereira’s pursuit of a third UFC championship, and a card loaded with recognizable names, fans can expect a landmark night for the sport.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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“This is neurostimulation with infrared light, to improve focus for mental recovery to improve sleep,” Topuria explained while demonstrating the device.

With elite fighters constantly searching for ways to gain an edge, neurostimulation has become an increasingly popular topic in high-performance sports.

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What Is Neurostimulation?

Neurostimulation refers to techniques designed to stimulate the nervous system using electrical currents, magnetic fields, light, or other forms of energy. The goal is to influence brain activity and improve various functions such as concentration, recovery, sleep quality, reaction time, and mental sharpness.

In Topuria’s case, the device appears to use infrared light-based stimulation. This form of therapy is believed to help support brain function by increasing blood flow and cellular activity. While research in the area is still evolving, many athletes use the technology as part of their recovery routines.

“This is neurostimulation with infrared light,” Topuria said, highlighting its role in improving focus and recovery during camp.

How Can It Help Fighters?

For mixed martial artists, training camps are physically and mentally demanding. Fighters often endure multiple sessions per day while balancing weight cuts, strategy meetings, sparring, and recovery.

Technologies such as neurostimulation are designed to help athletes optimize recovery between sessions. Better sleep can lead to improved muscle recovery, while enhanced focus may help fighters absorb coaching instructions and sharpen their reactions inside the cage.

Mental fatigue can be just as damaging as physical exhaustion during a fight camp. By targeting concentration and recovery, neurostimulation aims to keep athletes performing at a high level throughout the preparation process.

Whether the technology will make a difference when Topuria faces Gaethje remains to be seen. However, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian star is clearly embracing cutting-edge methods as he prepares for one of the toughest tests of his career.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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Askren has been announced for a matchup against fellow UFC veteran Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 on July 18. The bout will serve as the co-main event of the card and has already generated significant discussion among fight fans due to Askren’s remarkable recovery journey.

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What Is RAF?

RAF, short for Real American Freestyle, is a wrestling-based promotion backed by former WWE and NCAA wrestling standout Hulk Hogan and veteran wrestling coach Eric Bischoff. The organization aims to showcase high-level wrestling competition in a professional event format, bringing together elite wrestlers and combat sports athletes.

Unlike MMA, competitors are not striking each other. Instead, the focus is on takedowns, control, technique and wrestling dominance, making it an ideal setting for accomplished grapplers such as Askren and Muhammad.

The promotion has attracted attention by signing recognizable names from wrestling, mixed martial arts and other combat sports backgrounds.

Why Is This Fight Such a Big Deal?

The biggest storyline surrounding the matchup is Askren’s return. In 2025, the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion underwent a double lung transplant after a serious health battle that threatened his life.

Many believed Askren’s competitive career was over. However, the 40-year-old has made a remarkable recovery and is now preparing to step back onto the mat against another elite wrestler.

Muhammad, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the strongest wrestlers in MMA. Before becoming a UFC champion contender, he built his game around relentless pressure, conditioning and grappling.

The matchup therefore pits two highly accomplished wrestlers against each other while also serving as a testament to Askren’s determination.

What Have They Said?

Following the announcement, fans were quick to praise Askren’s comeback, with many calling it one of the most inspiring returns in recent combat sports memory.

The former UFC fighter has not hidden his excitement about competing again, while Muhammad will have an opportunity to test his wrestling skills against one of the most decorated grapplers of his generation.

Regardless of the result, Askren’s appearance at RAF 11 is already being viewed as a remarkable chapter in a career that many thought had come to an end.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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During a recent appearance, the UFC president stated that he believes men should not openly speak about mental health issues in public, arguing that problems should instead be handled privately.

“Talking about it publicly, I just feel like it opens the door to make young men think that it’s OK to just f**king go, ‘Oh, I’m having mental [health issues],’” White said before mocking the idea in a sarcastic tone.

White continued by saying, “Handle it behind closed doors. Don’t show that weakness to anybody.”

The comments immediately created heavy discussion online, with fans and critics debating whether White’s stance represents traditional masculinity or an outdated approach toward mental health conversations.

White also doubled down on his views regarding masculinity itself, saying, “I am unapologetically masculine. What is toxic masculinity? Who has it? Who’s too masculine?”

The UFC boss has long presented himself as someone who values toughness, discipline, and resilience, which are qualities often associated with combat sports culture. Over the years, White has repeatedly praised fighters for mentally pushing through adversity and handling pressure without publicly breaking down.

However, his latest comments arrive during a period where more athletes than ever before have openly discussed mental health struggles. Fighters across MMA, boxing, and other professional sports have increasingly spoken about anxiety, depression, burnout, and the psychological effects of competition at the highest level.

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Many fans defended White’s comments, arguing that he was promoting personal accountability, emotional control, and mental toughness rather than attacking mental health awareness itself. Others strongly disagreed, saying public conversations around mental health can help remove stigma and encourage people to seek support before situations become worse.

Combat sports in particular have seen major conversations around mental health in recent years due to the intense physical and psychological demands placed on fighters. Between brutal training camps, injuries, public pressure, online criticism, and financial uncertainty, many athletes have spoken openly about the emotional side of fighting that fans rarely see.

White’s comments now add another highly divisive topic to the ongoing debate surrounding masculinity in modern sports culture. As expected, reactions online have been split between those who agree with his old-school mentality and those who believe public openness around mental health is necessary in today’s world.

READ MORE: Khamzat Chimaev Aims To “Kill” Sean Strickland In The Rematch In A Now Deleted X Post

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Topuria selected Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Conor McGregor, and Anderson Silva as the fighters he believes deserve a place among the greatest figures in MMA history.

The choices immediately sparked debate across the combat sports world, especially because each fighter represents a completely different era and style of greatness.

Jon Jones is widely viewed by many fans as the most talented fighter the sport has ever seen. His dominance at light heavyweight, combined with victories over multiple generations of elite opponents, has made him one of the most accomplished champions in UFC history. Despite controversies outside the cage, his resume remains almost unmatched in mixed martial arts.

Georges St-Pierre’s inclusion is hardly surprising either. The former welterweight king became known for his discipline, fight IQ, and ability to dominate elite competition over a long period of time. GSP was one of the first true global MMA superstars and played a major role in bringing legitimacy and professionalism to the sport during the UFC’s rise.

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Conor McGregor’s spot on the list may divide opinion among some hardcore fans, but his impact on MMA is impossible to deny. McGregor changed the business side of combat sports forever, becoming the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion while helping bring the sport into mainstream culture worldwide. His trash talk, confidence, and knockout power transformed him into one of the biggest combat sports stars ever.

Then there is Anderson Silva, a fighter many still consider the most entertaining champion in UFC history. Silva’s striking ability, movement, and finishing instincts made him feel untouchable during his legendary middleweight title reign. At his peak, “The Spider” looked levels above everyone else in the division.

What makes Topuria’s list interesting is that it blends pure fighting ability with cultural influence and historical impact. Some fans may argue names like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Demetrious Johnson, or Fedor Emelianenko deserved inclusion, but Topuria’s selections reflect fighters who not only dominated inside the cage but also helped elevate MMA globally.

As Topuria continues building his own legacy in the UFC, many now wonder whether the undefeated star believes he can eventually earn a place on future generations’ MMA Mount Rushmore discussions as well.

READ MORE: Khamzat Chimaev Aims To “Kill” Sean Strickland In The Rematch In A Now Deleted X Post

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McGregor recently opened up about how the injury forced him to rethink preparation, survival, and the way he approaches worst-case scenarios inside the Octagon. Rather than focusing only on highlight-reel finishes, the Irishman explained that experience has taught him to prepare for chaos first.

“I have the perfect scenario, you knock them out with the big backhand, the crowd roars,” McGregor said while discussing his mentality toward fighting.

“But then I have the worst case scenario… I have a whole selection of responses to the worst case scenarios.”

Conor McGregor Explains How The Leg Break Changed His Mentality

The injury against Poirier at UFC 264 remains one of the most shocking moments of McGregor’s career. After building his reputation as one of the most fearless and explosive strikers in MMA history, seeing him collapse with a broken leg at the end of the opening round completely changed the direction of his career.

For many fighters, an injury like that can create hesitation or uncertainty. McGregor, however, says the experience pushed him to evolve mentally rather than retreat.

“So if the ankle goes, if the knee goes, if the shoulder goes, what’s my response? Because the fight’s not over,” he explained.

According to McGregor, modern fight preparation is no longer just about executing the ideal game plan. Instead, he now spends more time preparing for difficult moments that could happen unexpectedly during a fight.

“If you have a maneuver, you can outlast and you can survive,” he added.

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The comments offer an interesting look into how McGregor’s mindset has matured over the years. Earlier in his career, much of his confidence came from believing he could dominate opponents before things became complicated. Now, after injuries, setbacks, and years at the highest level of combat sports, his focus appears more balanced between offense and survival.

“As I have gotten more experience in the fight game, I’ve found to work my way backwards from the worst case scenario, to the best case scenario,” McGregor said. “And then focus and prepare for the best case scenario.”

The quote immediately caught attention among MMA fans because it showed a more reflective side of McGregor than people are used to seeing publicly. Known for his trash talk, bold predictions, and larger-than-life personality, the former champion instead sounded analytical and deeply focused on adaptability.

Whether McGregor ever fully returns to his peak remains one of the biggest questions in the sport. Injuries, inactivity, and age have all created doubts about whether he can still compete with the elite fighters at lightweight or welterweight.

Still, his latest comments suggest he is approaching the next chapter of his career differently. Rather than relying purely on confidence and aggression, McGregor now appears focused on preparation, adaptability, and finding answers even when things go wrong inside the cage.

For a fighter who built his legacy on predicting perfect outcomes, learning how to survive imperfect ones may end up becoming the most important adjustment of his entire career.

READ MORE: Sidekick Boxing Owner Believes Rico Verhoeven’s Mother’s Passing Could Fuel Victory Over Oleksandr Usyk

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The two middleweights recently fought in one of the most talked-about matchups in the UFC, with Strickland earning the victory after a competitive five-round battle. While the former champion had his hand raised in the end, Chimaev clearly did not agree with the outcome and appeared to vent his frustration online shortly afterward.

“No excuses I just wanna fck him up. This sht trying to run away,” Chimaev wrote in the now-deleted post while referencing Strickland.

Chimaev Reacts After Losing To Sean Strickland

Their fight delivered exactly what fans expected going in. Chimaev pushed the pace early with his aggressive wrestling and pressure, while Strickland relied on his trademark jab, defensive discipline, and constant forward movement to slowly take control of the fight.

As the rounds progressed, Strickland’s composure became one of the biggest differences. He defended well against Chimaev’s attacks, kept a steady pace on the feet, and forced “Borz” into uncomfortable exchanges during the later rounds.

When the final scorecards were read, Strickland was awarded the decision victory, handing Chimaev one of the biggest setbacks of his UFC career. The result sparked debate online immediately, with some fans feeling the fight was closer than the judges suggested, while others believed Strickland clearly did enough to win.

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Chimaev’s deleted tweet added even more fuel to the discussion. By hinting that being non-American may have affected how the fight was judged, he suggested he felt the scoring was unfair, although he stopped short of directly accusing officials or the UFC of bias.

Sean Strickland, meanwhile, has not shown much sympathy toward the complaints. Known for his blunt personality and willingness to engage in verbal exchanges, Strickland has continued taking shots at Chimaev publicly while insisting he earned the win fairly inside the Octagon.

Despite the controversy surrounding the result, the matchup only increased interest in a potential rematch down the line. The intensity between both fighters feels personal now, and with each man remaining near the top of the middleweight division, another clash between them would likely attract enormous attention.

Even though the post was deleted quickly, Chimaev’s comments were enough to keep the rivalry alive and ensure fans continue debating the result long after the fight ended.

READ MORE: Joshua, Hearn, And Jake Paul All React To Rico Verhoeven’s Controversial Loss To Oleksandr Usyk

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McGregor is scheduled to return at UFC 329 during International Fight Week on July 11, where he will face current BMF champion Max Holloway in one of the biggest fights the UFC has booked in years. While excitement around McGregor’s comeback remains massive, Masvidal believes the Irish superstar could be walking into a nightmare matchup.

Speaking on Deep Waters, the original BMF titleholder gave a brutally honest prediction for the fight.

“I think Max smokes him like a brisket,” Masvidal said.

The former UFC star believes the biggest issue for McGregor is not just the time away from fighting, but also the lifestyle he has lived during his absence from the Octagon.

Masvidal Questions McGregor’s Lifestyle And Hunger

According to Masvidal, the difference between the two fighters outside the cage could become a major factor once the fight starts. He pointed to Holloway’s disciplined lifestyle compared to McGregor’s highly public image over recent years.

“It’s also the lifestyle,” Masvidal explained. “I think Conor lives a certain lifestyle that we’ve all seen and then you can kind of tell that it’s not for show. It’s really his lifestyle, and Max lives a completely different lifestyle.”

Masvidal praised Holloway for staying focused on training and family while avoiding the distractions that often surround celebrity fighters.

“I’ve never seen Max at a club drunk. You’ve never see him in the headlines for anything bad. That guy lives a different life where he’s gym, family, gym, family, gym, family.”

The comments reflect concerns many fans already have about McGregor returning after nearly five years away from active competition. While McGregor remains one of the biggest names in combat sports history, questions continue to grow about whether he can still compete at the elite level after such a long break.

Max Holloway Seen As A Dangerous Matchup

Masvidal also made it clear that Holloway is far from an easy comeback opponent. Despite years of wars inside the Octagon, Holloway is still viewed as one of the most dangerous and durable fighters in the UFC.

“He’s not fighting a slouch,” Masvidal said. “He’s fighting Max Holloway. Max is still Max. I still feel he can go out there, win a world title, do a lot of big things.”

For Masvidal, the biggest question is whether McGregor still has the same hunger and confidence that once made him one of the most feared fighters in the world.

He argued that true confidence comes from constant training, discipline and preparation, something he is unsure McGregor still has after years away from competition.

Still, despite the criticism, UFC 329 remains one of the most anticipated events in recent memory. McGregor’s return alone guarantees massive attention worldwide, while Holloway enters the fight carrying momentum and confidence as the reigning BMF champion.

Whether Masvidal’s prediction proves correct or not, one thing is certain. The pressure on Conor McGregor heading into July is enormous.

READ MORE: Freddie Haggerty Outlasts Yonis Anane In Scrappy Strawweight Muay Thai Battle

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Now, nearly five years later, McGregor is expected to return in July against Max Holloway in one of the most anticipated comeback fights in UFC history. The question many fans continue asking, though, is simple will he actually show up?

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So Much Has Changed Since Conor McGregor Last Fought

The amount of change inside the UFC since McGregor’s last appearance is almost difficult to believe. Back in 2021, Alex Pereira had not even entered the UFC yet. Since then, Pereira has become one of the biggest stars in the company, winning titles across multiple divisions and headlining several major pay-per-view cards.

At the same time, Francis Ngannou was still the reigning UFC heavyweight champion. Since then, Ngannou has left the organisation entirely, crossed over into boxing, and completely changed the conversation around fighter pay and free agency in combat sports.

Another reminder of how much time has passed is the rise of Ilia Topuria. During McGregor’s last fight, Topuria was still competing on UFC prelim cards and was nowhere near mainstream stardom. Today, he is one of the faces of the promotion and currently holds the UFC lightweight championship.

The UFC itself has also evolved during McGregor’s absence. New champions have emerged, divisions have changed dramatically, and an entirely new generation of stars now carries the company forward.

Despite all of that, McGregor still remains one of the sport’s biggest attractions. Every update surrounding his comeback instantly dominates headlines, showing just how much attention he continues to command even after years away from competition.

His scheduled fight with Holloway in July is expected to answer several major questions. Fans want to know whether McGregor can still compete at the elite level, whether the hunger is still there, and whether his body can physically handle a full return after such a long layoff.

If he does make the walk against Holloway, it will not just feel like the return of a fighter. For many fans, it will feel like the return of an entirely different UFC era.

READ MORE: Freddie Haggerty Has Japan In His Sights After The Inner Circle On May 22

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