The UFC will be starting off 2021 with a bang. Earlier today the UFC announce the official confirmation of the fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. The fight has been in the works for a few months. However, it is now confirmed that it will take place in January next year at UFC 257.
The fight will take place seven years after the two men fought for the first time. This time around, the bout takes place at lightweight and not at featherweight. In the seven years that have passed, both men have developed and grown as fighters. They are now not only among the best fighters at lightweight but also in the UFC roster.
Read: “I Might be fighting Manny Pacquiao”- Dustin Poirier reveals surprise plans
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Dustin Poirier reveals his motivation going into the rematch against McGregor
In a recent interview, Mike Bohn asked ‘The Diamond’ to share his thoughts on what is different for the rematch as compared to the first time the two men fought. Dustin replied:
“He was obviously a great fighter. Finishing a bunch of guys before me… But at this point we’re both so much more established. And have so much more experience… I was very emotional in the first one, I wanted to hurt the guy. This time I just want to outsmart him, just want to beat him… This is not about getting even for me… It’s about moving my career forward, about putting my family in a better spot.”ADVERTISEMENT
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When asked about who will have the upper hand in boxing, ‘The Diamond’ said, “We have to get in there and find out how it aligns right. Watching footage and stuff like that I can tell you the guy has one of the best counter twos in the game, no doubt about it. His timing, his balance, his understanding of distance when guys are being too heavy on their front foot and throwing power shots. He is a great counter puncher. He really is, I give him credit for that.”
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 18: Conor McGregor prepares for his welterweight bout against Donald Cerrone during UFC246 at T-Mobile Arena on January 18, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
The consensus is that they will decide this fight on their feet, given that both men are predominantly strikers. Both are excellent boxers and have secured the majority of their wins on the feet.
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This time around, Dustin is more calm and composed and will not be emotional going into the fight. This means he will not over commit and it will be harder for Conor to catch him on the counter. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how this fight plays out given all the new elements that have been added seven years later.
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