Tomorrow night in the main event of UFC 264, we will see the conclusion of the trilogy between Conor McGregor (22-5) and Dustin Poirier (27-6, 1 NC). The two men will look to settle once and for all who is the better fighter.
The two first met at UFC 178 with McGregor scoring the TKO victory in the first round. That fight took place at featherweight during McGregor’s run to the top of the combat sports world. The win over Poirier proved just how talented Conor McGregor was.
Of course, McGregor went on to become a two-division UFC champion and the biggest star the sport has ever seen. With all the money and the fame, many have questioned the dedication of McGregor. Tomorrow night, he will look to show the world that he’s still at the top of the game.
Back in January at UFC 257, Dustin Poirier evened the score with Conor McGregor. After getting touched up by some good shots in the first round, Poirier swarmed McGregor in the second with a barrage against the fence.
Dustin Poirier has been the best lightweight in the UFC over the past few years not named Khabib Nurmagomedov. Poirier has beaten all the top guys and he will look to earn himself another undisputed title shot tomorrow night with his second victory over McGregor.
UFC 264 Prediction
When these two fought back in January, I was convinced that Conor McGregor was going to win. It’s not that I didn’t believe in Poirier, I just thought that McGregor was the better striker and I figured he would land the big shot early.
McGregor did land those shots at UFC 257, but he couldn’t put Poirier away. When Poirier didn’t go away, the fight completely turned. If we’ve learned anything about Dustin Poirier over the last few years it’s that he’s a dog.
If the fight gets tough, that’s when Poirier turns it on. To me, it’s relatively easy to see winning scenarios for both men at UFC 264. If the fight ends in the first round with a clean knockout, Conor McGregor is going to get his hand raised.
However, if this fight stretches to the late second and into the middle rounds, it’s hard to bet against The Diamond. Skill for skill, I actually like Conor McGregor. However, when it comes to pure grit and toughness, you cannot beat Dustin Poirier.
I see McGregor having some really solid success early on. However, much like the second fight, I think Poirier weathers the storm. I think the fight stretches into the third round where Poirier will force a hurt McGregor to shoot for a takedown. When he does, I think Poirier gets a deep choke and earns himself another shot at the UFC lightweight title.
Prediction: Dustin Poirier by Submission (Guillotine Choke) – Round 3