UFC 257: McGregor vows a 'masterpiece' against Poirier

Abu Dhabi - In 2014, ‘the Notorious’ McGregor had nailed the ‘Diamond’ Poirier with a TKO in under two minutes of the first round.

Conor McGregor promises a “masterpiece” as he takes on Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi’s Fight Island on Saturday.

In 2014, ‘the Notorious’ McGregor had nailed the ‘Diamond’ Poirier with a TKO in under two minutes of the first round. The flamboyant Irishman acknowledged that Poirier has had an “incredible run” since then to rise to No.2 in the rankings. And after a 40-second TKO against Donald Cerrone in January of 2020, McGregor is confident Poirier will put on a strong performance.

“Dustin is back up there at the top of the division. So, I am excited to compete with him again. I got 40 seconds inside the octagon in 2020, which caused major frustration. It’s not enough. I need more. I believe I can get him (Dustin) out there, possibly will hit him early and hurt him. I hope for a good long bell,” said McGregor, who is on a 22-4 run and finished 20 of those, including 19 knockouts.

“I’m in some shape here and I’m coming to put on a masterpiece,” the No.4 said. “I have a million shots. I have so many weapons in my arsenal. They are all fine-tuned at this time. I’m in a phenomenal place. I look forward to going out and showcasing, painting a beautiful picture.”

But since the loss against McGregor at UFC 178 in 2014, Poirier has defeated the likes of Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway and Dan Hooker. The former interim lightweight champion is ready to prove everyone wrong yet again.

“Every fight is a chip on my shoulder. I am trying to prove something. The work that I put in, I am trying to make it pay off. I am trying to put my family in a better position. And this is no different. I know what a win over Conor McGregor means in combat sports. I know that whoever wins this fight is fighting (next) for the gold. And that’s why I fight,” said Poirier, the American, who is on a 26-6 run.

The 12-fight UFC 257 also features a co-main clash between Dan Hooker and UFC debutant Michael Chandler. And at the end, McGregor-Poirier winner will either get champion Khabib Nurmagomedov or another fighter if the Russian ‘Eagle’ refuses to return to the octagon.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com