Retired UFC Fighter Breaks Down Conor McGregor’s Path Back to a Trilogy Fight Against Dustin Poirier

Former UFC veteran Kenny Florian and Commentator Jon Anik discussed the main event for UFC 257 on their podcast. The marquee fight arrested the attention of fans all over the world as Conor McGregor made his return. However, the Irishman’s comeback wasn’t the smoothest as he suffered the first TKO loss of his pro MMA career.

Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier came out and executed a neat, perfect gameplan that offset McGregor’s offense. ‘The Notorious’ couldn’t land his signature strikes early as his lead leg was chopped through relentlessly by Poirier. McGregor’s base became severely compromised, and this opened the door for Dustin to land shots and briskly put him away.

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Kenny Florian explains the effectiveness of calf kicks in MMA

Following the loss, there’s been plenty of conversation surrounding the strategy used by ‘The Diamond’ to earn the finish. The hosts of the ‘Anik and Florian’ podcast were part of his debate, and Florian put forth several points to ponder. Chiefly, the integration of calf kicks has been a recent one to an MMA fighter’s arsenal. However, there’s no doubt that it’s proved to be lethally effective.

“I don’t want to say it’s [calf kick defense] a simple adjustment, but it’s an adjustment that can definitely be made. The calf kick has been a problem for a lot of high-level guys but it’s something that can be rectified relatively easy.”

“I think it’s gonna take some timing and some sparring and some knowledge and some information that he needs…It goes beyond just going out there and blocking it, it actually can work as a sweep and you can take the guy down. If he lifts his leg up, you’re on one leg and can be swept off your feet… I think a fighter of the quality of Conor can make those adjustments.”

What can Conor McGregor do next?

Additionally, ‘KennFlo’ made sure to give the Irishman his props as he broke down the changes McGregor can make. The former two-division champion has shown the ability to make the necessary changes when entering into a rematch. However, his stance will have to see certain corrections if he is to safeguard himself from leg kicks.

“Conor McGregor is a versatile fighter as well, but for some reason, he decided it was best for him to approach it from a boxing standpoint, and that hurt him. Conor has shown that low stance, that creeping stance before, but there weren’t other people that were able to expose it.”

“Dustin Poirier was able to expose it and because of that, If Conor wants a third fight against Dustin Poirier, he’s gonna have to change the way he approaches. The way that he creeps in and feints his way into someone like Dustin Poirier.”

It’s unclear what McGregor’s path looks like going ahead, however, there’s plenty on the line. His brand is dependent on stringing together highlight-reel wins, and a statement performance will be on his mind.