In the main event of UFC 257, the biggest star in the sport made his return. Former two-division champion, Conor McGregor (22-4), took on Dustin Poirier (26-6, 1 NC) in a rematch of their first fight that took place at UFC 178.
McGregor was fighting for the first time in almost a year exactly. He took on Cowboy Cerrone back at UFC 246 to kickoff 2020, but that was the last we saw of him. The promotion held out to try and get him in front of fans, and as a result, he briefly retired.
McGregor went through some hard times with the UFC, but the relationship has been prepared and McGregor was back tonight. With a win over Poirier, McGregor would solidify that he’s still one of the very best fighters in the world.
UFC 257 was a massive opportunity for Dustin Poirier. After that first loss to Conor McGregor, Poirier moved up from featherweight to lightweight. His career has taken off and he even became the interim UFC champion.
Over the last few years, the only man to get the best of Poirier was Khabib Nurmagomedov. This rematch was a big chance for Poirier to right the wrong of six years ago and prove that he’s the top contender at 155 pounds.
UFC 257 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 257 main event kicked off with a quick start from McGregor. McGregor opened with a clean jab and a left hand but Poirier took it well. Poirier landed a nice right hand counter on McGregor.
Within 30 seconds, Poirier shot in for a takedown and got McGregor down. McGregor worked his way back up to the fence, but Poirier was holding him well. McGregor worked his way up and reversed Poirier against the fence.
Poirier was popped with a clean shoulder strike from McGregor. McGregor was then reversed against the fence by Dustin Poirier. Poirier was putting all his weight on McGregor against the fence here in the first round.
McGregor landed a very solid knee to the body as Poirier continued to look for a takedown. Poirier tried hard for the takedown, but McGregor was able to reverse the position again against the fence.
McGregor landed a clean elbow as the two men broke. Once they were at distance, McGregor landed a clean left hand that forced the shot from Poirier. McGregor started really opening up and catching Poirier.
The speed advantage was very evident in the first round. Poirier landed a few really nice leg kicks that caught McGregor’s attention. Both men land in the final ten seconds. Despite the takedown, I lean McGregor in round 1 at UFC 257.
Round 2
The second round at UFC 257 kicked off with another push forward from McGregor. McGregor opened with a jab, but he was wobbled by a leg kick. Poirier was briefly wobbled by a right hand, but he recovered well.
Both men then traded massive leg kicks. Poirier badly hurt McGregor with a big leg kick and McGregor wasn’t checking any of them. He tried to throw another but McGregor caught it and threw a big counter.
Poirier continued to pound the leg kicks that were hurting McGregor. A massive leg kick buckled McGregor and he stormed McGregor with hooks. McGregor was badly hurt and a massive hook puts him down for good. Goodness gracious Dustin Poirier knocks out Conor McGregor at UFC 257
Dustin Poirier def. Conor McGregor by KO – Round 2