Events are held by the UFC pretty much on a weekly basis. However, ‘Fight Nights’ don’t come much bigger than when Conor McGregor is headlining, and fans of MMA will already be counting down the days to UFC 264 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 10th, where we will see the world-renowned Irishman go up against Dustin Poirier for a third time.
With a victory each, there is little to separate the two fighters in the betting on Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier, where the bookmakers value both of their chances of winning at 9/10. That’s proof, as if it is needed, that this is going to be an incredibly close bout to predict, and it’s very hard to call a winner at this stage.
That said, let’s take a look at what we think can be expected from this blockbuster fight. Read on to find out more!
More leg kicks from Poirier
Those who watched McGregor vs Poirier go toe-to-toe for their second bout on Fight Island back in January will remember that ‘The Diamond’ relentlessly targeted the Dubliner’s legs with powerful kicks throughout the first round. By the second, it was no surprise that McGregor was hardly able to move, and that practically made him Poirier’s punchbag. It wasn’t long before ‘Mystic Mac’ could no longer withstand the American’s barrage of punches and the bout was ended about half-way through the second round.
A change of stance from McGregor
There’s absolutely no doubt that McGregor wasn’t ready for his calves to be utterly destroyed by Poirier in their second fight. Whether that was down to the Irishman not preparing properly, or a lack of competing in recent years, is up for debate. However, it wouldn’t surprise us if he enters the Octagon with a different stance on July 10th, one that will perhaps make his legs less accessible for those deadly strikes from Poirier.
McGregor will be out for revenge
This one goes without saying really. McGregor is a wounded animal and there’s no doubt that he will be out for revenge at Sin City’s T-Mobile Arena. There are suggestions that, after winning rather easily eight years ago, McGregor underestimated Poirier. Those views are even shared by the Irishman’s close friend and teammate Artem Lobov, who claimed that McGregor didn’t give Poirier ‘the respect he deserved.’ He will have been working extremely hard over the last couple of months or so to ensure that he isn’t left red-faced by the American again, especially with a huge crowd cheering him on from the stands.
McGregor must be prepared to go beyond the first round
This is another factor that McGregor perhaps wasn’t prepared for earlier this year. He ended the 2014 fight in around two minutes. However, Poirier is a much more well-rounded fighter now, with 13 more bouts under his belt (10 of which ended in victory). He was able to deal with McGregor’s big blows much better in January, and the Irishman certainly wasn’t ready for a slog. If he isn’t equipped for a gruelling encounter again this time, then he may just be left with egg on his face again. Some, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, are even arguing that if McGregor can’t end the fight in the first round, then it will Poirier’s night!
