Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor (right)(image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Conor McGregor was back to firing insults and warning shots, and even kicked at Dustin Poirier during the pre-fight presser for UFC 264. But, according to Poirier, the star’s antics point to the fact he’s not the force he used to be.

Leading up to their rematch this past January, McGregor was largely, very respectful towards Poirier and the two remained on good terms, following the latter’s stoppage win. But, as their rubber match at UFC 264 has approached, McGregor has resumed with his trash-talking.

In addition, the former champ has made it clear he wasn’t happy with some of the claims Poirier made, regarding McGregor’s pledge to donate to the fighter’s charity.

At the pre-fight presser on Thursday, McGregor repeatedly insulted Poirier, and also brought up the former interim champ’s wife. As the two faced off for cameras, McGregor kicked at Poirier.

But, while speaking to ESPN afterward, Poirier had this to say about McGregor’s antics (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“For me, smooth sailing, man,” Poirier said. “I felt like I saw a guy who was unsure of himself, scared, trying to hype himself up. I felt good. … I feel like he has to work himself up to be that guy, and I am that guy. I don’t have to do that. I know if he would have gotten close enough, he would have seen it – and that’s just it. I know who I am. I don’t have to be crazy.

“I knew he was going to be acting crazy. But to see him in the flesh, it just made me feel good because he has that little guy, not that guy he used to be, I feel – through my eyes, anyway.”

McGregor – Poirier 3 will headline Saturday’s card, which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.