This past weekend at UFC 257, Dustin Poirier (27-6, 1 NC) had the performance of his career against Conor McGregor (22-5). Poirier was looking to get his revenge after McGregor had knocked him out six years ago.
The Diamond had some success in the first round, however, McGregor was getting the better of the exchanges. Poirier admitted after the fight that he was hurt in the first round, but McGregor failed to pounce on him.
In the second round, Poirier started butchering the lead leg of the former two-division UFC champion. About two minutes into the round, Poirier landed a leg kick and McGregor’s leg was completely shot.
Poirier pressed McGregor up against the fence and attacked him viciously. After initially defending well, McGregor was caught with a couple of clean rights that put him down and Poirier got the massive knockout win at UFC 257.
In the post-fight press conference, Poirier said only a couple of opponents are interesting to him at this point. He mentioned the trilogy with McGregor, but he also said he wants a fight with Nate Diaz (20-12). Diaz made it clear that he wants that fight too.
I’m training to whoop ur ass next.
Be about it don’t talk about it ?? pic.twitter.com/M7FKHvIbFu— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 24, 2021
Will the UFC book Poirier – Diaz?
Originally, Poirier and Diaz were supposed to fight at UFC 230. However, Poirier had to pull out of the fight with an injury. Diaz has maintained for years that Poirier had been ducking him which is why he pulled out of the fight.
Recently, it was announced that Diaz would be returning to the UFC’s lightweight division. However, at this time we don’t know who the opponent would be for Diaz. Dana White has said that the promotion did have an opponent in mind.
In reality, Diaz and Poirier don’t make sense from a UFC rankings perspective. Diaz hasn’t fought at lightweight in years and Poirier should be fighting for the title in his next fight. However, we know that the promotion sometimes overlooks the rankings.
If Poirier is adamant about fighting Diaz next, the UFC could make it happen. I think a more likely fight with Diaz would be the trilogy with McGregor, however, Stockton’s own has made it clear that he wants The Diamond next.