Conor McGregor predicts fast finish in his rematch with Dustin Poirier

The notorious Conor McGregor will return to the octagon this Sunday AEDT in a rematch against Dustin Poirier. 

• When – 4:15pm Sunday 24th of January
• Odds – McGregor: $1.33 / Poirier: $3.25
• Where To Watch: Live On Kayo (Book Here)

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The first fight was part of Conor’s rise to stardom, and there was plenty of bad blood that preceded the fight. However, the rematch has a much softer tone; both fighters have developed significantly since the Irishman dispatched Poirier with a quick knockout in the first round.

McGregor is known for his pre-fight antics, and opponents have always struggled to cope with his trash talking. Even Dustin buckled under the pressure in their first meeting, but both fighters are 32 years old and have matured since. 

Before UFC257 was announced, McGregor was focused on an exhibition charity fight with Dustin in his exodus against the organisation. After fighting Donald Cerrone in January of 2020, McGregor announced his retirement after UFC President Dana White could not offer a suitable fight for the former two-weight world champion. A back and forth ensued, which resulted in McGregor offering to donate $500,000 US to Dustin’s charity if the pair met again but not in the UFC. Dana and Conor were obviously able to come to an agreement, thus leading to UFC257. 

Dustin Poirier’s story following his defeat to Conor was impressive, to say the least. He decided to return to the lightweight division and went on a four-fight win streak notching 3 knockouts and a decision before being knocked out by Michael Johnson in the first round. Despite the roadblock, he bounced back with another extended run winning five fights and earning the interim lightweight title against former featherweight world champion Max Holloway.

It was only until he met with the undefeated Khabib Nurmagemdov in 2019 that stopped the streak, ending Poirier’s run with the lightweight title. He lost via rear-naked choke in the third round, almost earning a submission of his own with a guillotine choke. 

While McGregor is the bookie’s favourite to repeat, Dustin isn’t someone to be overlooked, especially with a dominant performance over New Zealander Dan Hooker, who fights UFC debutant Michael Chandler in the co-main event. The fight meant Poirier received his seventh ‘fight of the night’ award and once again displayed how dangerous he can be. 

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Just like every Conor McGregor fight, “Mystic Mac” made his prediction saying in his UFC257 video special,

“I like Dustin, I think he’s a good fighter, he’s even a great fighter. But great is still levels below me. I’ll knock Dustin out inside 60 seconds.”

The Irishman also predicted a first-round knockout in his first meeting with the “Diamond”, and he delivered on that promise, so Dustin will look to change his fortunes this time around. The winner of the rematch may be rewarded with a shot at Lightweight champion Nurmagomedov who wants to be impressed in order to change his decision over his retirement from the sport after beating Justin Gaethje in October of 2020.

Turning our attention towards the other fights on the main card, a matchup to look out for is Matt Frevola v Ottman Azaitar who has started his UFC career with a bang, collecting two vicious knockouts over Khama Worthy and Teemu Packalen. The Moroccan has finished 12 of his 13 opponents throughout his MMA career and will look to continue this trend against Frevola on his main card PPV debut. 

You can order the PPV now on KAYO for $54.95. The main card is scheduled to start at 2 pm (AEDT).

MAIN CARD MATCHUP PREDICTIONS:

Dustin Poirier (26-6) vs. Conor McGregor (22-4) – Lightweight

• Conor McGregor via KO 1.58 with TopSport

Dan Hooker (20-9) vs. Michael Chandler (16-4) – Lightweight

• Dan Hooker H2H 1.70 with TopSport

Jessica Eye (15-8) vs. Joanna Calderwood (14-5) – Women’s Flyweight

• Over 2.5 rounds 1.29 with TopSport

Matt Frevola (8-1) vs. Ottmas Azaitar (13-0) – Lightweight

• Ottman Azaitar H2H 1.62 with TopSport

Marina Rodriguez (12-1) vs. Amanda Ribas (10-1) – Women’s Strawweight

• Amanda Ribas 1.30 with TopSport

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