Conor McGregor tagged Dustin Poirier a few times with his jab. (Instagram)
Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Max Holloway expresses his views on Conor McGregor after his UFC 257 loss against Dustin Poirier
UFC featherweight fighter Max Holloway was on ESPN MMA this week and he was talking about Conor McGregor during one of the segments.
Host Ariel Helwani asked ‘Blessed’ about his views on ‘The Notorious One’ after his loss against Dustin Poirier.
Holloway shared how too much boxing may have cost McGregor and what has changed about his fighting style.
“I was tripping out when it happened. Dustin went in there and did his thing and Conor came out and owned it.
“He could do a certain way of fight with Dustin, and Dustin reminded him that this is MMA. I think he got caught a little bit in that mindset of boxing… His [McGregor’s] old way, he is a little bit more balanced, little more squatty, kicky, he has got some great kicks.”
McGregor’s stance was certainly a bit more rigid and upright against ‘The Diamond’. Poirier wore out the Irishman with a plethora of kicks in the first two rounds.
The Irishman was on the lookout for the game-ending punch, but it just never came.
The Hawaiian stated that despite the loss, McGregor would be back. But when asked about who will win the trilogy fight between the two, he gave a pretty diplomatic answer.
“He’ll be back, he’ll be better than ever, like he always does. I don’t know, it’s what guy shows up that night. Dustin showed up one night, Conor showed up one night, and we’re going to find out who shows up on the third.”
Holloway’s prediction is as basic as it comes but he can’t be blamed for saying that. It will be hard to pick a winner when McGregor and Poirier go head to head.
Yes, Poirier was superior with his tactics in January, but Conor would be smarter this time around. He will have a lot to learn from his loss last month.
It would undoubtedly be a great fight and it will definitely decide who is on the path for UFC gold in that division.
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