The biggest fight the UFC could make in 2021Â in terms of dollar signs is official. Yes, this matchup is even bigger than the potential heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou in terms of PPV revenue.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani was the first to report that Dustin Poirier (27-6, 1 NC) had officially signed his contract for UFC 264. Multiple reports had already stated that Conor McGregor (22-5) had already agreed to the deal.
Over the weekend it was reported that the UFC was targeting the trilogy matchup for July. However, until ink hits the paper, anything could happen so it wasn’t a guarantee. Now, that ink has hit the paper and UFC 264 has it’s headliner.
Dustin Poirier turned down an opportunity to fight for the vacant lightweight title to take this trilogy matchup with McGregor. Poirier exercised his demons by finishing The Notorious one back at UFC 257.
High UFC stakes in July
This fight is massive for both of these fighters. Both of these UFC champions hold knockout victories over the other. Their first matchup came when both men were on the rise and McGregor scored the knockout win.
However, Dustin Poirier turned the tables and knocked McGregor out in January. For Conor McGregor, this is almost a do or die fight for him and his brand. It would be really hard to come back after losing two times in a row to Dustin Poirier.
McGregor was in a very similar position back in 2016 with Nate Diaz. After Diaz won the first fight, McGregor was adamant about running things back right away. In their rematch, McGregor made the adjustments and won a decision.
It will be interesting to see if he can make adjustments at UFC 264. Dustin Poirier exposed Conor McGregor the last time they fought. McGregor’s boxing heavy style came back to bit him as Dustin Poirier destroyed him with calf kicks.
The big question about this fight is whether or not McGregor can make the adjustments. McGregor outstruck Poirier in the first round at UFC 257, but the calf kicks did him in during the second round. Can McGregor defend those or will he get chopped down again by The Diamond.