McGregor hitting Poirier (photo via YouTube)

Dustin Poirier has established himself as one of this generation’s top lightweights since he battled Conor McGregor back in 2014. But, as ‘The Diamond’ gets set to face McGregor at UFC 257, January 23rd, Poirier is a significant underdog to win the highly anticipated contest.

So, can Poirier prove the oddsmakers wrong? And take one back from the ‘Notorious’ one?

Check out the card’s odds on Powerplay!

The first fight

Poirier and McGregor squared off at UFC 178, when the latter was rising the featherweight ranks. McGregor repeatedly fired verbal shots at Poirier heading into the contest, and he delivered on his bold prediction, by quickly finishing the American with booming punches.

What’s happened since then

Since their first fight, both Poirier and McGregor have gone on to become major players in the UFC. 

McGregor (22-4) went on to win both the UFC’s featherweight crown as well as the lightweight title, and in doing so, the Irish fighter became one of the biggest stars in sports, period.

Poirier (26-6, 1 no-contest) doesn’t have the same level of fame that McGregor does. But, the rugged veteran did secure the interim lightweight title in 2019, by defeating Max Holloway.

Both men came up short, however, against the reigning, lightweight king, Khabib Nurmagomedov. The undefeated fighter subbed Poirier in round three, while Khabib tapped McGregor out in round four.

Can Poirier avenge his defeat?

Fast forward to today, and the consensus seems to be that McGregor will move to 2-0 against Poirier. While most people seem to understand Poirier is a much better fighter today than he was in 2014, the same can be said about McGregor.

Where questions remain about McGregor, however, is in regards to his cardio and ground game. While the star has worked extensively on his wrestling and grappling in recent years, many believe Poirier has the edge over the feared striker in that respect.

So, if Poirier doesn’t go head-hunting early on, mixes in his wrestling and pushes the fight into rounds three and four, his chances of winning will increase dramatically.

If ‘The Diamond’ comes out recklessly, in an effort to finish McGregor quickly, as the latter did to him, don’t be surprised if the latter repeats what happened in 2014.