Conor McGregor has vowed to put UFC rival Dustin Poirier "in a box" as the pair teased a fourth fight during a social media spat.
The Irishman has been out of action since breaking his leg in his trilogy defeat by Poirier last July, but has been stepping up his training ahead of a planned comeback in 2023. A number of potential opponents have already thrust their names into the spotlight including Michael Chandler and Jorge Masvidal, with the sport's biggest superstar certainly not short of options.
McGregor and Poirier continued their bitter war of words after their trilogy fight was stopped, with many predicting a fourth fight would take place once the Irishman had recovered. 'The Diamond' has toyed with the idea on several occasions before rubbishing it entirely.
But McGregor has refused to let sleeping dogs lie and tweeted: "Heal up soon scruffy knickers." His post came in response to the news Poirier had been hospitalised with an infection and would require further treatment. Poirier responded, writing: "You ready to get slapped around again?" McGregor had the final say: "Ye I’m in Amsterdam jacked like Van Damme.
"You weren’t just hurt pal. You were scared hurt don’t forget it. I’m coming back to put you in a box. Full of it. I’m sending you off this earth. Permanent. Stay waiting for the road house as well pal you and the missus will love it." McGregor looks set to finally resume full training after finishing filming for his first acting role in remake of Hollywood classic 'Road House' alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
His form has declined significantly in the UFC however with his two defeats by Poirier contributing to his poor record of just one win since 2016. McGregor had stated that his rivalry with Poirier wasn't over during a furious rant before being taken away on a stretcher in their fight last year.
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A fourth meeting remains unlikely as McGregor's days at lightweight look to be behind him after bulking up to 190lb during his time away from the cage. It is now expected he will campaign at 170lb when he returns, with Poirier unlikely to move up while he remains a leading contender at 155lb.
Prior to his win over Michael Chandler at UFC 281 last month, the American had cast doubt on a potential fourth clash and was unsure what the plan would be for McGregor's return. He said: "I don't know. You never know in this sport. I don't know if he's coming back, what weight class, I'm just not sure. Never say never, but it's not looking like it in the near future. We'll see - I fought him three times, I'm trying to get to the title."
