(L-R) Opponents Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor pose face off for media during the UFC 257 press conference event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 21, 2021 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Dustin Poirier looks poised to take on Conor McGregor in a rematch after UFC 257 win
More than two weeks ago, Dustin Poirier beat Conor McGregor via TKO in round 2 at UFC 257 to gain the advantage in the race for the lightweight belt.
And as you would expect, the Irishman wanted a rematch after his devastating loss. He came in the press conference after the match and indicated that he would want to do it once again with ‘ The Diamond’.
A few days later, Poirier conveyed his verdict on the rematch and stated that he was also in favour of completing a trilogy with McGregor. They had, of course, fought once before their UFC 257 encounter.
The UFC 178 bout in 2014 was in McGregor’s favour. But things are different now; McGregor is no more the top dog, and the American is the favourite to be handed a shot at UFC gold.
Speaking on ESPN MMA this week, former UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier suggested that Poirier now has two choices in front of him.
He implied that he was in favour of a trilogy, but asked The Diamond to be wise in deciding if he wants a shot at the belt against someone like Charles Oliveira, or a big-money fight with Conor McGregor.
Oliveira is on an eight-fight win streak and has talked up his title chances too. However, McGregor wants that third fight and Dana White seems open to it.
“I think you make Dustin make a choice in terms of weighing what is valuable to him. You want the big fight, or you want the championship? Because I think if you want the championship, you fight Oliveira. If you want the big, you fight McGregor.”
He was then asked if Poirier could have both, a title shot against Conor McGregor. To this, DC replied what most MMA fans would agree with themselves.
“I don’t know if they are going to give Conor a title shot after losing like that.”
From what it looks like, Poirier really does have just two obvious options in front of him. It remains to be seen what he goes with in the end.
Poirier vs McGregor 3 would be a blockbuster but it is to be seen if that is for the title or not.
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates