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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 06: Dustin Poirier poses on the scale during the UFC 242 weigh-in at The Arena on September 6, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 06: Dustin Poirier poses on the scale during the UFC 242 weigh-in at The Arena on September 6, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Conor McGregor orchestrated his growth from a relatively unknown fighter to a UFC ‘Champ-Champ’. ‘The Notorious’ has without a doubt brought a lot of attention to the game, which has helped the company as well as other fighters on the roster. The sport is always in a better place with a fit and active Conor McGregor.
However, ever since winning his belt against Eddie Alvarez, Conor McGregor has not been the most active fighter in the UFC. He has only fought twice since then, once in a loss against Khabib Nurmagomedov and once in a 40-second KO win over Cerrone. Therefore, there is reason to believe that being active is something that will favor Dustin going into the rematch.
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Bellator MMA fighter, Austin Vanderford, also is of the same school of thought.
Read: UFC 257 Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier 2 tickets sold out in minutes
Austin Vanderford reveals why Dustin Poirier will have an edge against Conor McGregor
In a recent interview, James Lynch asked Austin Vanderford what he made of the main event at UFC 257 and who he thought would win.
Vanderford replied, “You know, I think I’m going to go with Dustin on this. I think there’s obviously been a lot more improvement, justifiably between both guys since the last time they fought. But I think Dustin has made leaps and bounds in improvement since the first time that they fought. So it’s going to be a really good fight, but I’m going to go with Dustin.”‘The Gentleman’ is an exciting middleweight prospect. He is currently signed with Bellator and is unbeaten in his career and 4-0 with Bellator MMA.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 27: Dustin Poirier reacts after the conclusion of his lightweight fight against Dan Hooker during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 27, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The rematch will be an excellent opportunity for Dustin Poirier to prove not only to himself but also to the MMA community that he has evolved in the almost seven years between fights.
The common consensus is that Dustin’s chances of winning increase as the fight continues for longer. Conor McGregor will be without a doubt his most lethal in the first two rounds. ‘The Diamond’ will have to be extremely cautious for the first 10 minutes. Following that, he can mount a challenge and aim to draw level against the Irishman.
What do you make of Austin Vanderford’s prediction?
