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CONOR MCGREGOR VS. DUSTIN POIRIER 3 PREVIEW

Anytime the UFC’s poster boy Conor McGregor steps into the Octagon, no matter who the opponent, you can bet that MMA fans all over the world will be tuning in to see the controversial Dubliner in action.

Like marmite, you either love him or hate him. However, you can’t deny the fact that ‘Mystic Mac’ has been pivotal in the sport’s growth over the last decade or so, and there’s no doubt that millions across the globe will be purchasing the PPV for his much-anticipated third bout against Dustin Poirier at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on July 10th (or July 11th, if you’re based in the UK). 

So, with around a week to go until these two old foes touch gloves for a third time, let’s take a look at what we can expect to see from this mammoth Sin City showdown. Read on to find out!

How are things shaping up in the betting market?

There is literally nothing to separate these two fighters in the betting on Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier, with the bookmakers pricing both ‘Mystic Mac’ and ‘The Diamond’ at 9/10. McGregor to win via KO, TKO or DQ is the favoured method of victory for the Irishman at 5/4, whilst Poirier is slightly further out at 15/8 to win via the same method.

What happened when they met for the first time?

McGregor and Poirier went toe-to-toe for the first time at UFC 178 in September 2014. After things got very heated in the build-up, McGregor came out on top at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Poirier landed some nice shots inside the first minute or so, but nothing strong enough to faze McGregor. And it wasn’t long before the bout was over, with the Irishman dropping Poirier to the mat and delivering a number of hammer fists — forcing the referee to step in and end the fight. 

What happened when they met for the second time?

The pair met again on ‘Fight Island’, a covid-safe location in Abu Dhabi set up by UFC president Dana White back in January to ensure that events could go ahead in the midst of the pandemic. With eight years separating the two bouts, and some 13 additional fights under his belt, there’s no doubt that Poirier entered the Octagon as much more well-rounded mixed martial artist, and it showed. He dealt with McGregor’s big blows much better, taking them in his stride whilst slowly wearing the Irishman down with leg kicks and punches of his own. 

By the second round, McGregor was hardly able to move due to the damage dealt to his legs, and that meant he basically became Poirier’s punch bag. After a constant barrage of punches, the fight was ended 2:32 into the second round, with The Diamond dealing McGregor his fifth career defeat. 

Our verdict for McGregor vs Poirier 3

It’s fair to say that McGregor underestimated Poirier in their bout back at the beginning of the year, and now a wounded animal, the Irishman should be feared ahead of this fight as he looks to put things right. That said, Poirier will be brimming with confidence having won in January, and if he can wear McGregor out and force him into the latter rounds again, then he will surely fancy his chances. 

Therefore, McGregor needs to take Poirier out in the first round if wants to win this fight — a view shared by the unbeaten Khabib Nurmagomedov. If the fight goes beyond that, then a second Poirier victory will likely be on the cards.

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