Few names know Conor McGregor as well as Dustin Poirier . After sharing the octagon with the Irishman on three occasions , the American gave a candid analysis of his former rival and revealed why he believes McGregor can still return to the top and beat the UFC's top names again, even after almost five years away from competition.
In an interview with the YouTube channel One on One MMA, Poirier stated that few athletes in the history of the sport possess the natural qualities of McGregor. According to the veteran, the Irishman has a talent capable of putting him back among the top names in the organization. The statement comes on the eve of the Irishman's return, who faces Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11th in Las Vegas.
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“ Conor McGregor has divine gifts. He is a special individual. If anyone can come back after five years, put all the pieces together and start beating the best, that person is Conor. He is a special individual. Even though he's a horrible person and I don't like him, he has some divine gifts,” declared the former interim champion.
These statements carry even more weight coming from one of McGregor's greatest career rivals. The two starred in one of the most memorable trilogies in recent UFC history, and despite the provocations and the turbulent relationship built over the years, Dustin Poirier acknowledged that his former opponent possesses uncommon talent.
What was the rivalry between Conor and Poirier like?
The first chapter took place in September 2014, at UFC 178, when both were still competing in the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg). At the time, McGregor was emerging as the organization's great prospect and provoked Poirier throughout the promotion of the fight. Inside the octagon, the Irishman confirmed his status as favorite by knocking out the American with a left cross after only 1 minute and 46 seconds of the first round.
Their paths crossed again more than six years later, at UFC 257 in January 2021. This time, the atmosphere was completely different; the double champion adopted a respectful stance during fight week. However, 'The Diamond' got his revenge inside the octagon. After punishing his rival's leg with low kicks, Poirier secured a technical knockout in the second round, evening the rivalry.
The defeat made the confrontation even more personal. To promote the trilogy, held at UFC 264 in July 2021, 'Notorious' abandoned his cordial discourse and returned to provocations, even involving the American's family in the insults. The fight was intense, but ended dramatically: in the final seconds of the first round, McGregor suffered a serious leg fracture when he put his body weight on it during an exchange of blows.
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