UFC 264 will headline “The Notorious” Conor McGregor vs. Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier for the third and final time.
The rubber match will settle the score between two of the sport’s most accomplished featherweight and lightweight fighters. In a rivalry that spans over seven years, McGregor and Poirier will have an opportunity to get ‘the last laugh’ in a bout that will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
McGregor and Poirier faced off for the first time on September 27, 2014. By that time, “Mystic Mac” had already captivated the world of mixed martial arts with brash style and unorthodox striking. His power at 145 lbs was terrifying with a detonator for a left hand. Dustin Poirier was considered a step up in competition, but McGregor believed he would be an easy-to-handle opponent. McGregor talked trash for weeks.
Conor McGregor: When you wake up after your head clatters off the canvas, you will know it’s not all talk.
And McGregor delivered, landing a left hand to the temple of Poirier before knocking him out at 1:46 in the first round. As McGregor pounced on a fallen Poirier for the finish, Dustin’s head would indeed clatter off the canvas.
https://youtu.be/tDVz938rxYg
The victory launched McGregor on the express route to superstardom. But it was a devastating loss for Poirier. Would he have an opportunity for redemption?
He got his chance on January 23, 2021. Poirier came into the match as a top-ranked, lightweight fighter. McGregor, who had won the featherweight and lightweight titles, had vacated both to challenge Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing match.
Poirier went into the rematch as a +250 underdog. But this wasn’t the same Poirier that McGregor had faced previously. He was now an elite-level, mixed martial artist.
As the bout progressed, Poirier’s leg kicks started to take effect. McGregor’s leg finally buckled, creating an opening, and Poirier took advantage, unloading a barrage of punches before knocking down McGregor with a right hand. A finishing shot soon followed.
https://youtu.be/pwNMWiVFKo0
‘The Diamond” had avenged the loss, accomplishing what no other man had done: he knocked out Conor McGregor. The victory sent shockwaves through the UFC, and the outcome set the stage for what we’ll experience Saturday night.
Now, the inevitable looms: glory for the winner and humiliation for the loser. Either way, fans will win!
