MMAOB staff writer Adam Martin takes a deeper look at the main event of UFC 257, a five-round lightweight rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. The event takes place on Saturday, January 23 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Conor McGregor (-310)
McGregor (22-4) is the No. 4 ranked lightweight in the UFC. The 32-year-old American is the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion. McGregor has been in the UFC since 2013, going 10-2 in the Octagon with notable wins over the likes of Eddie Alvarez, Nate Diaz, Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Chad Mendes, and of course Poirier. He also had a knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather in boxing in 2017. McGregor is one of the biggest punchers in the lightweight division and we saw that when he knocked out Alvarez to win the belt back at UFC 205. Since winning his second UFC title in November 2016, McGregor has fought just twice, a submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 and a knockout win over Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. The loss to Nurmagomedov showed his biggest weakness, which is his submission defense, something we also saw when he lost to Diaz in their first fight. McGregor is the biggest star in the UFC and having him back on a regular fight schedule is huge for the promotion. A win here and McGregor will surely earn a title shot.
Dustin Poirier (+255)
Poirier (22-6, 1 NC) is the No. 2 ranked lightweight in the UFC. The 32-year-old American is the former UFC interim lightweight champion. A member of the UFC roster since 2011, Poirier has racked up an impressive 18-5, 1 NC record during his time in the Octagon. He has fought and defeated many of the best featherweights and lightweights in the world, including Dan Hooker, Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, Jim Miller, and Carlos Diego Ferreira. Poirier is a well-rounded fighter with a solid striking attack on the feet to go along with a slick submission game on the floor. He has great cardio and a big heart, with perhaps his only real flaw being his chin, as he’s been knocked out twice in the UFC. Overall, though, Poirier is one of the best lightweight fighters in the world and a win over McGregor would likely earn him another title shot.
Fight Breakdown: I can’t wait for this fight. The first time around in 2014, I was all over McGregor and he came through with a knockout win. I have to back him here once again, though I’m more hesitant this time around since Poirier has looked so strong at lightweight. As good as McGregor is, the year-long layoff he is coming off of is a worry, as is his submission defense and cardio if this five-round fight with Poirier goes late. At the same time, I can’t ignore the knockout losses Poirier suffered against McGregor and Johnson. As good of a boxer as Poirier is, I feel like McGregor is a step ahead in the striking, at least in the early rounds when he has power and energy. Although I think Poirier can put up a better fight than he did last time, I still see the result being the same. My pick is for McGregor to win this fight by knockout. That being said, the 3-to-1 odds are hefty for a bet. If you are going to play McGregor, maybe look for a better number on him inside the distance.
Prediction: Conor McGregor (via TKO)
