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Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:55:41 GMT

Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC

There was a lot of bitching about the price increase ahead of UFC 257, which came just in time for the pay-per-view (PPV) return of Conor McGregor, but I’m pretty sure most MMA fans got their money’s worth after all was said and done. The main card produced four violent finishes inside Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi.

Including Dustin Poirier’s upset win over Conor McGregor.

In addition, former Bellator MMA 155-pound champion Michael Chandler put the lightweight division on notice by smashing No. 6-ranked Dan Hooker, while Marina Rodriguez announced her arrival at 115 pounds with her finish over Amanda Ribas. And let’s not forget Makhmud Muradov’s destruction of Andrew Sanchez.

Get complete UFC 257 results and play-by-play right here.

Most combat sports fans already brought themselves up to speed on what happened, thanks to the wall-to-wall coverage right here on MMAmania.com. For those of you just tuning in, or perhaps looking for a more comprehensive breakdown, we’ve got a convenient link wrap-up for you below.

UFC 257: The Fights

Dustin Poirier def. Conor McGregor by TKO
Michael Chandler def. Dan Hooker by TKO
Joanne Calderwood def. Jessica Eye by unanimous decision
Makhmud Muradov def. Andrew Sanchez by TKO
Marina Rodriguez def. Amanda Ribas by TKO

UFC 257: Reactions

Full UFC 257 post-fight press conference video
Dustin Poirier reacts to win over Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor reacts to loss against Dustin Poirier
Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts to UFC 257 main event
Michael Chandler reacts to win over Dan Hooker

UFC 257: The Morning After

Floyd Mayweather takes a shot at Conor McGregor
Biggest winners and losers
Next matches to make
Examining Michael Chandler’s perfect timing
Twitter goes nuts over UFC 257 main event
UFC considers moving to Abu Dhabi

That should hold you over for the time being.

UFC will be back in action a week from Saturday night with the UFC Vegas 18: “Overeem vs. Volkov” event on Feb. 6, 2021 inside APEX Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, airing exclusively on the ESPN+ digital network (sign up here).

For even more upcoming UFC events click here.

Matches To Make After UFC 257

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) staged its first pay-per-view (PPV) event of 2021 with UFC 257 going down inside Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” yesterday (Sat., Jan. 23) in Abu Dhabi. In the headlining act, Dustin Poirier stopped Conor McGregor in the second round via strikes (see it again here). In the co-headlining act, Michael Chandler made an explosive Octagon debut, knocking out Dan Hooker in the first round with a vicious left hook (recap here).

Winner: Dustin Poirier

Who He Should Face Next: Charles Oliveira for the Lightweight title

Khabib Nurmagomedov is not going to walk through that door, so it’s high time for Dana White and Co. to forget about that idea. And while White did insinuate that it makes sense to book Poirier vs. Michael Chandler for the title next, that would be a big slap in the face to Oliveira, who has been putting in work for the promotion for a decade now and is currently riding an impressive eight-fight win streak. This is the title fight to make, there is no other matchup that makes sense at the moment for either man.

Winner: Michael Chandler

Who He Should Face Next: Justin Gaethje

Chandler had perhaps the best UFC debut of a former champion coming in from another promotion after knocking out Dan Hooker in the very first round. Afterward, an excited Chandler called out the cream of the crop of at 155 pounds, leaving out one important name in the form of Gaethje. And that’s the fight that should be made next. As I mentioned earlier, White lead many to believe that the former Bellator MMA champion would be fighting for the title next, but Oliveira should get that honor first. In the meantime, Chandler can stay busy against Gaethje. A potential clash between these two men would be as even as it gets since both have outstanding wrestling and hit like Mack trucks.

Winner: Joanne Calderwood

Who She Should Face Next: Lauren Murphy

Joanne Calderwood got back on track and back into the championship race after defeating Jessica Eye on “Fight Island.” While the win was impressive, she still has some work to do before she can score a date against Valentina Shevchenko. A fight against Murphy makes sense since she is currently ranked No. 3 and is on a four-fight win streak. She was set to face Cynthia Calvillo but was forced out of the fight as a result of a positive COVID-19 test. The winner here could make a big case for the next shot at the strap.

Winner: Marina Rodriguez

Who She Should Face Next: Michelle Waterson

Rodriguez spoiled Amanda Ribas’ impressive undefeated run inside the Octagon (4-0) by putting it on her, knocking her out in the second round...on two occasions. Indeed, Marina seemed to have the win in hand after brutalizing Ribas with one shot after another. Upon celebrating, Herb Dean informed her that he had not put an end to the bout. No problem, Rodriguez regrouped and once against tagged the Brazilian sensation with nasty strikes, this time putting an end to the fight for good. Since Rodriguez stepped in for Waterson after she bowed out of the Ribas fight, it only makes sense to award her with that matchup. A win over “Karate Hottie” would definitely raise her stock.

Winner: Makhmud Muradov

Who He Should Face Next: Dalcha Lungiambula

Muradov earned his fourteenth straight win after knocking out Andrew Sanchez in the third and final round. With three straight wins inside the Octagon, Muradov is starting to make some waves at Middleweight and a few more wins will get him closer to the rankings sooner, rathe than later. A fight against Lungiambula next sounds appealing. Lungiambula was last seen earning a win over Markus Perez at UFC Fight Island 8 just last week, so their respective turnaround times should line up. Dalcha has won seven of his last eight fights, so both men are scorching hot at the moment.

For complete UFC 257 results and coverage click here.

Nate Diaz Calls Out Dustin Poirier: ‘I’m Training To Whoop Your Ass Next’

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 22:33:19 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Could we finally see Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz face off in the Octagon? Both men want it, and it’d undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights of the year.

Dustin Poirier pulled off a massive upset on Saturday night at UFC 257 when he finished Conor McGregor in the second round of their rematch bout, making him the first person to ever TKO the Irish superstar.

The win puts him in a pretty great position: UFC president Dana White has already confirmed he could fight for the UFC lightweight title next. There’s also a big money rematch with Conor McGregor, should he prefer that option. And then there’s Nate Diaz, who Poirier included in the list of guys he’d like to punch in the face.

“A rematch with Conor interests me,” he said at the UFC 257 post fight press conference.“Always wanted to whup Nate Diaz’s ass. That interests me. I’m sure something will make sense but just right now I don’t know. Me and Conor are 1-1. Nate Diaz likes to talk a lot of s**t online. But I just got to go home and we’ll see.”

After years of fighting for peanuts headlining UFC Fight Night cards, Nate Diaz has become the king of sitting on the sidelines until proper big money fights materialize. And this is a proper big money fight. After throwing some weak shade at the guys actually getting into the cage and risking everything, Nate gave us something juicy: a fight challenge.

These guys all get finished all the time ‍♂️
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 24, 2021

I’m training to whoop ur ass next.
Be about it don’t talk about it pic.twitter.com/M7FKHvIbFu
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 24, 2021

Don’t forget that Dustin and Nate have history: they almost headlined the UFC’s 2018 event at Madison Square Garden in New York City before a Poirier hip injury derailed the whole thing. Not that the fight was ever signed and sealed to begin with.

“They wanted to switch it to five rounds, man, it was just so messed up dude,” Poirier told the MMA Hour shortly after the debacle. “Nate was being hard to deal with, I believe. Every weight class they offered it at 155 and he wanted 160 and I agreed to that. He kind of negotiated himself out of a main-event spot. They offered us the main event, I accepted, Nate over-negotiated, they lost the main event, it was just back-to-back days of him trying to have his way, honestly.”

“A lot of these fans are blowing me up on social media saying you blew an opportunity, your big payday and stuff like that, they don’t understand how contracts work,” Poirier said. “I don’t get PPV points to fight Nate Diaz. I don’t know what anyone thinks is going on here, but, I took this fight not because it was a big-money fight, but because it was a big opportunity. It’s a huge headache with all the stuff that he was playing.”

If anyone knows about losing the war it's you... you've lost half of them that you been in. https://t.co/ovrDu6JkVF
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) October 15, 2018

The good news: Poirier made PPV points on the Conor McGregor fight, and he’s definitely going to make PPV points on the Nate Diaz fight (as will Nate). The only thing he’s unlikely to get if he decides to take Nate up on his offer to scrap? The UFC lightweight title, which probably isn’t going to get thrown into the mix given Nate’s recent record and inactivity at 155.

These are the interesting times we live in now, where despite the UFC’s best efforts there are now fights bigger than the belt out there. Poirier vs. Diaz is definitely one of those. So what’s it going to be, Dustin? A Diaz fight? A McGregor rematch? Or a fight for the title?

Iron Mike Ready To ‘Go Out There And Compete Again ASAP’

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 21:26:05 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Four months ago, Michael Chandler wasn’t even in the UFC. Now he sits on the verge of a lightweight title shot. And the former Bellator champ has no intention of slowing down.

After months of hype, multiple time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler finally made his UFC debut against Dan Hooker, dusting the New Zealand contender in the first round with a massive left hook and some violent ground and pound.

Now “Iron Mike” finds himself atop the extremely competitive UFC lightweight division with just one win. UFC president Dana White casually tapped him to fight for the soon-to-be vacant 155 pound title. And we imagine he’ll find himself on the edge of being top 5 ranked, if not in the top 5, when official rankings are updated this week.

Thems some huge gains for two and a half minutes of work in the Octagon. But following the fight Chandler set his sights even higher: towards retired lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“You guys heard me, I would love for Khabib to come back,” he said at the post-fight press conference. “I get it. I haven’t earned the right for him to think that he is not levels above me yet with just that performance. But I promise you, I could beat that man. I promise you, if he steps into that Octagon with me he becomes 29 and Chandler, not 30-0. So we will see.”

“I looked into all these cameras and I said ‘Listen, Khabib. You are the greatest of all time. You are the GOAT. You are undefeated, you have looked unbeatable. You are right. None of these guys can hold a candle to you. What are you going to do, come back and rematch one of these guys? It’s not gonna happen, you don’t need to do that. You’re a champion.’”

“But when a guy who shows he’s got a wrestling pedigree, a guy who’s not undefeated?” Chandler continued. “Listen, I’m not undefeated. I wear my L’s on my sleeve. I got five of ‘em. Couple of ‘em were weird stoppages, TKO injury defeats, whatever you call them. But every time I’ve come back better. I am by no means a perfect man inside that cage, inside that Octagon. But I promise you, I can beat that man. I promise you, I can beat Khabib.”

Khabib aside, Chandler was okay with White’s suggestion that he fight Dustin Poirier for the vacant title too, despite having a serious love-on for “Diamond.”

“There’s not a man on the roster that I respect more than Dustin Poirier,” he said. “I’m borderline a fan of the man. We sat next to each other at the weigh-ins just talking about our wives, our kids, our life ... he’s the kind of guy I’d love to step inside the Octagon and beat the crap out of for 25 minutes, we both get bonuses, we kiss our wives and our kids and enjoy our lives. He’s one of the good ones.”

Unfortunately for “Iron Mike,” Dustin Poirier shares the admiration but was very clear: he would not fight Chandler for the belt. But even with a win over Conor McGregor, is that the kind of demand Dustin can make? For his part, Chandler sounds ready to go with the flow.

“If that’s what Dana wants, who am I to let him down? I took zero damage in this fight, I’m ready to go out there and compete again ASAP. Whether it’s in the sands of Abu Dhabi or under the bright lights of Las Vegas, I am ready.”

Chandler with the backflip after the KO #ufc257 pic.twitter.com/yuV55LkZfv
— Fungible Dave (@FungibleDave) January 24, 2021

White will be happy to hear Chandler is still healthy after his high flying victory backflip off the cage. The UFC president already seemed in a slightly surly mood at the UFC 257 post-fight press conference (understandable given ESPN+ outages, McGregor losing, and Khabib refusing to come back). While he praised the Bellator import for performing well in his UFC debut, he got really animated about the flip.

“Do you guys hate the backflips as much as I hate the backflips?” White asked the media. “It’s just f**king ... the kid gets his fight in the UFC and does a backflip and it looks like he’s going to blow out his f**king ankles, his knees, and his spine. I just don’t get the backflip thing and I don’t like it. Somebody’s going to get f*cking hurt doing that.”

UFC ‘Might Move To Abu Dhabi This Year’ Due To US COVID-19 Restrictions

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 19:00:00 GMT

Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

A new administration brings new policies to fight COVID-19 including the possibility of mandatory 14 day quarantines for anyone entering the country. Here’s what that means for the UFC.

2020 was already a challenging year for the UFC due to the Coronavirus pandemic that nuked a month and a half worth of events and forced the promotion to develop bubbles of various efficacy in Florida, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. Once the promotion did the initial groundwork and set up a protocol that largely worked, the conveyor belt of MMA events rolled along about as well as one could hope for the rest of the year.

But with COVID-19 numbers continuing to rise and new more contagious strains popping up, the promotion may once again be put into a position where events in the United States become extremely difficult to hold. The incoming Biden administration has already passed multiple executive orders aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 that will make flying people in and out of the country a serious pain in the ass for the UFC.

UFC president Dana White laid out his thoughts on the situation (and the promotion’s ideal return date to Fight Island) at the UFC 257 post-fight press conference.

“I mean, if I had to map it out in my head we’d come back here in June or July,” White said. “Probably it’d be about that time. Who knows. While we were here there was a new inauguration [in the US] and we’ll see what happens. Travelling in America and all this stuff is going to be another massive challenge for us this year.”

“Yeah, it sounds like things are tightening up over there [in the United States],” he said. “Talking about 14 day quarantine like Canada and stuff like that. If that happens, that’s going to be a problem.”

For those unaware of Canada’s system, people entering the country must quarantine for 14 days regardless of if they have COVID-19 symptoms or not. Due to the number of people not properly quarantining, the federal government is currently considering a system similar to Australia and New Zealand where folks entering the country are housed in hotels at their own expense.

We’ve all heard the ongoing story of Dan Hooker spending six weeks in multiple lockdown limbos as he heads from New Zealand to Abu Dhabi and back. A mandatory 14 day quarantine for travelers would create similar headaches for all fighters and UFC staff entering the country. Logistically speaking, it might just be easier for the UFC to move their whole operation to Fight Island.

“I’m trying to do everything we can do,” White said regarding the various complications. “This situation is never going to be perfect, but Abu Dhabi is as close to perfect as you can get. I might have to move here this year. It’s as close to perfect as you can get. The way that these guys do everything. Everything in this country is done to the best of everybody’s ability. It’s incredible.”

Mayweather Trashes ‘Bum’ McGregor After UFC 257 Loss

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Former opponent Floyd Mayweather had some pretty derogatory things to say about Conor McGregor following the Irishman’s loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257.

The world of combat sports is already a tough place to exist inside, and it certainly doesn’t help that one loss can lead to everyone dogpiling the hate on even the most accomplished of athletes.

You can see that in action following Conor McGregor’s loss at UFC 257 to Dustin Poirier. Endless memes of “The Notorious” laying dazed on the canvas are circulating, giving even the Bernie Inauguration meme a run for its money. Sports commentators are debating whether it’s time to write McGregor off (or whether that time was actually three years ago). Even some of Conor’s former opponents are coming out and talking trash.

For example, take a look at this post from Floyd Mayweather, who seems upset that McGregor is ‘loved’ while Mayweather gets ‘hated’ (a somewhat flawed premise given how much hate Conor does get from a solid percentage of the population).

“Why is @floydmayweather hated for the way he carries himself but @thenotoriousmma is loved for the same way he carries himself?” someone in Floyd’s comments asked.

“My take on it is that the world knows Con Artist McLoser can steal everything from me and be loved but I’m hated,” Floyd wrote in a new post. “That just lets you all know that racism still exists. Just know, that bum will never be me or be on my level. I’m just built different, my mindset is on another planet, my skills are second to none, I’m a natural-born winner and yes I talk a lot of trash, but every time I back it up! This is what they hate.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather)

“It’s sad that you can be a poor black kid from the ghetto that has dealt with racism your whole life and work extremely hard to put yourself and your family in a better position, and most of the hate comes from my own people.

“Conor cannot even win in his own sport, but talking about coming back to boxing to fight Pacquiao,” Mayweather finished. “Nobody wants to see that, it’s like my leftovers eating leftovers.”

Ironic that Mayweather would talk about fights nobody wants to see when there are reports his February exhibition bout with Logan Paul is being postponed due to lack of sales. But hey, a little more trash talk like this and maybe he can get some interest going in a real fight? Not against someone like Manny Pacquiao, of course. Don’t be crazy.

McGregor Releases Statement Following First TKO Loss At UFC 257

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

The former champ champ sounded down but not out after suffering the first TKO loss of his career against Dustin Poirier on Fight Island.

UFC 257 has come and gone and it turns out when “Mystic Mac” Conor McGregor promised us a masterpiece, he meant one from Dustin Poirier.

Okay, in truth it was simply a masterpiece of violence, with McGregor getting the best of Poirier in the first round before “Diamond” turned things around in the second to earn a TKO win (watch the highlights here). Other lightweights will be cribbing notes off Dustin’s performance for years, and it will be very interesting to see if McGregor can adjust his game now that a new blueprint for beating him exists.

And yes, McGregor will be back. He barely took a moment to feel sorry for himself in the cage, blaming inactivity for his loss. Then he showed up at the post-fight press conference fascinated with the calf kicks that hobbled him and eager to match himself up with a number of other UFC lightweights. His final contribution to UFC 257 fight week: this statement on social media channels:

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma)

“Thanks for the support everyone!” he wrote. “Was not my night/morning in there but a great contest to improve on. I’m excited at the blockbuster trilogy I now have on my hands. Dustin is a hell of a competitor and I look forward to going again. Elevating the leg and the spirit on my way home! God bless us all, happy Sunday.”

At this point it’s unclear whether McGregor intends to lobby for an immediate rematch with Poirier, who was overheard on a hit mic contemplating retirement following his big win. We imagine it depends on whatever gets him back into the cage soon enough.

“Activity” was the word McGregor kept using, and last year he was already chomping at the bit to fight three times. If UFC is smart, it will throw him back into the cage by June to keep him from wandering back to boxing where the paydays are 10 times higher. With UFC President, Dana White, finally giving up on a Khabib Nurmagomedov superfight, we may finally get Conor McGregor’s grand season this year.

How it goes, after the mystique of “Mystic Mac” has been destroyed, is anyone’s guess.

Everything That Happened At UFC 257 Last Night!

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC

Last night (Sat., Jan. 23, 2021), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) remained on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for UFC 257. There were some interesting fights throughout the card, but it’s impossible to bury this lede: UFC 257 was the return of Conor McGregor. Opposite top-ranked Lightweight contender and previous knockout victim, Dustin Poirier, McGregor looked to stake his claim for a Lightweight title shot.

Let’s take a closer look at the best performances and techniques:

Poirier Plays It Smart

Dustin Poirier can trade heavy punches with anyone. He proved it in his run to the interim Lightweight title, biting down on his mouthpiece and trading blows with proven bruisers in Justin Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez, only to emerge as the victor when the dust finally settled. That does not mean it would have been a good idea to trade punches with Conor McGregor.

Early on, things did not look great. Poirier was backing off, looking a touch uncomfortable, reacting to each of McGregor’s feints. The Irishman, meanwhile, can still unsling deadly punches with a fluidity seldom seen in MMA.

It all changed when Poirier did something brilliant: he shot a takedown. It wasn’t a beautiful one, but it put McGregor on his butt. He wasn’t then able to control “Notorious,” but it landed them in the clinch, where Poirier stalled through two of McGregor’s most dangerous minutes.

When the two separated, both were a little slow, but Poirier was measurably more comfortable. His calf kicks began to land. A check hook scored. Even as McGregor landed the better shots, Poirier’s confidence grew.

The momentum shifted fully soon into the second. The calf kicks added up quickly — note that McGregor, as a Southpaw, rarely has to deal with the strike and they were nowhere near as popular during his rise — and McGregor did not like it. Poirier landed a check hook after a calf kick, and McGregor backed off. Which strike hurt him? It’s hard to say, but it didn’t matter.

Poirier pursued, chasing his foe along the fence. Now confident that the man in front of him was only human, Poirier unleashed a flurry of big shots like he was faced with any other foe.

McGregor fell like the rest.

Lightweight’s Latest Star

Lightweight is not a division that really needed new contenders, yet Michael Chandler has arrived.

Dan Hooker had the range and counter strikes to really punish his foe’s lunges, and the odds makers favored him for that very reason. Chandler seemed aware of his foe’s strategy, yet early on, Hooker’s calf kicks were landing more often than Chandler’s body punches, though neither man seemed particularly phased.

Just before the knockout, one of Hooker’s low kicks seemed to bother Chandler’s lead leg.

That’s the beauty of knockout power and insane athleticism. Once Chandler’s lunging left hook connected to the jawline, nothing else mattered but that strike. Hooker has never really been put down by one shot before, not until he met the former Bellator Lightweight king.

Muradov Makes A Statement

Makhmud Muradov picked up his third straight victory inside the Octagon, announcing himself as a dark horse contender at 185 lbs.

Opposite Andrew Sanchez, Muradov was smart. He moved well and picked at the wrestler’s Karate-influenced stance, digging hard calf kicks at an impressive rate. His jab and range punches landed well too, and in general, Muradov was patient in breaking his foe down. By the middle of the second, however, Muradov was in control and no longer satisfied with simply winning the exchanges.

He wanted a knockout.

Muradov began to sling his overhand right in a wide and aggressive arc. It missed quite a few times, but when it did finally clip behind his foe’s ear in the third, Sanchez started dancing in a desperate attempt to regain his equilibrium. Muradov swarmed and scored the technical knockout finish, making the most of his high-profile opportunity.

Strawweight Stopping Power

Marina Rodriguez has been working hard for this moment.

Five fights into her UFC career, the Muay Thai striker had yet to score a stoppage. That wasn’t for lack of trying — Rodriguez always pursued the finish, prioritizing damage over all else, which actually cost her on the judges’ scorecards on a couple occasions. In the biggest showcase opportunity of her career against arguably her toughest opponent, Rodriguez made it happen.

Amanda Ribas took the first round with some smart grappling. She really stalked her opponent in order to find that takedown, however, and Rodriguez countered in the second with a stiff right hand plant counter. Ribas walked right into the strike, and Rodriguez ended up showing off her finishing instinct twice due to an odd circumstance involving a near stoppage from referee Herb Dean.

It’s a huge win for Rodriguez, one that should help push her into the title mix.

Additional Thoughts

Julianna Pena defeats Sara McMann via third-round rear naked choke: McMann was the better technical fighter in seemingly every area, and she took the first round without much issue. Pena is nothing if not persistent, however, and her combination of submission attacks from her back and small strikes at every opportunity slowly shifted the momentum to her side throughout the second round. In the third, Pena fully turned the tables with a big takedown, overwhelming her opponent on the mat to force the submission finish and return to the win column.

For complete UFC 257: “McGregor vs. Poirier” results and play-by-play, click HERE!

McGregor Responds To ‘Disrespectful’ Khabib: ‘That’s Fighting Talk’

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images

The war of words between Conor and Khabib isn’t over apparently, with McGregor welcoming Khabib for another cage fight should the retired champion be interested.

While Khabib Nurmagomedov may be retired from active UFC competition, that doesn’t mean he’s done taking shots at his nemesis, Conor McGregor, over social media. Shortly after McGregor lost his bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 via knockout, Khabib (or perhaps Khabib’s agent, who is well known for stirring pots on his clients’ accounts) posted a diss directed at “The Notorious.”

“This is what happened when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality,” the post from Nurmagomedov’s Twitter account read.

The tweet doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. McGregor’s team has remained by-and-large the same for years. He did hold the camp for the Poirier rematch at the Shinobi Academy in Portugal, owned by one of his cardio coaches. But this is the same guy he’s been working with since the Nate Diaz loss. And he brought a rotating cast of the rest of his standard Straight Blast Gym training partners over to Portugal with him.

This is what happened, when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 24, 2021

If anything, McGregor probably needs to change up his team of training partners more. But given the COVID-19 situation, we understand that may be tricky at this time.

“My team has been the team since day one, I haven’t changed any team,” McGregor said when asked about the tweet at the UFC 259 post-fight press conference. “It is what it is. Respect the athletes and that’s the character of the man behind the mask. Whatever, what’s he going to do? Does he want to come back or not? Because he’s not throwing no leg kicks, you know what I’m saying? I got up off the ground against Dustin. I turned Dustin. You know what I mean? Look at little pockets of that sequence where he fights.”

“Like I said: styles make fights. Every fight is a different fight. That’s why all this prestige that people try and hold onto, I don’t hold onto that. Whether someone has multiple wins or multiple losses. Every fight between every man is different, and that’s it. Dustin’s style just played into it today and he has the durability and he has the experience and he has that leg kick now in his arsenal. I’ll adjust and keep going.”

“But if [Khabib] wants to have his disrespectful comments, come back and let’s go again, my man. I’m here for it. That’s fighting talk, so if you’re coming back, come back. You try and do it. You know what I mean? So that’s that.”

Unfortunately for McGregor and us fans, it doesn’t seem likely that Khabib will return from retirement to rematch him. Even UFC President, Dana White, who spent the lead up to UFC 257 hyping a potential 30th fight for Nurmagomedov, finally admitted after the event that the Dagestani fighter was not interested.

“He said to me ‘Dana, be honest with yourself. I’m so many levels above these guys. I’ve beat these guys,’” White said. “I don’t know. But it doesn’t sound very positive.”

So I hope you guys enjoy the social media jabs, because that’s probably all we’ll ever get from these two going forward.

Poirier: McGregor ‘Just Another Man That Bleeds’ At UFC 259

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Dustin Poirier explains the difference between the Conor McGregor he fought in 2014 and the one he beat in 2021 at UFC 259.

Things were not looking good for Dustin Poirier during the opening minutes of his rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 257. McGregor was landing clean hard shots on Poirier, who had a frustrated look on his face through the majority of the first round. But a steady stream of hard calf kicks slowed McGregor down and in the second round Poirier found his range both defensively and offensively.

2:34 into the second round, and Poirier stood victorious over a dazed McGregor (watch the highlights here). And while he certainly seemed happy with his victory, the overall process of earning this win definitely took its toll on the Louisiana fighter mentally.

“I’m not fighting any more,” a hot mic in the cage picked up Poirier telling his corner. “I’m not in love with it any more. I’m done with it.”

During the post-fight press conference,“The Diamond” was asked about those words.

“It’s hard to say, but that’s it exactly, I don’t really like this any more,” he said before pushing back on any fear that he might actually be retiring. “I dunno. I’m not .... dude, I got so many ass whoopings left to hand out. I feel like I’m just hitting my prime and just putting everything together. My body and my mind are finally on the same wavelength and I just turned 32 this week. We’ll see what happens. I don’t know. The only part I liked was the fight this whole last two weeks. Didn’t enjoy the process these last two weeks. I only liked the fighting.”

“I think part of it might be from f**king spinning my wheels for two weeks sitting in a hotel room,” he added. “You call this Fight Island but this is Fight Hotel. We couldn’t leave the property. I’m sitting for two weeks cutting weight. The furthest I can go is the workout room. It’s like I was in a prison of my own mind over here.”

“I’m going home to be with my family. Going back to being dad. Going to sell hot sauce. Going to work with my foundation. I got so many things happening outside of fighting right now, this is just something I do.”

As far as the fight with McGregor went, Poirier told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that the calf kicks were part of an overall strategy of mixing up wrestling with striking and kicks to keep McGregor from getting his offense going.

“Mike Brown wanted me to rip calf kicks, Rip ‘em rip ‘em rip ‘em,” Poirier said. “And we did. The first one I threw landed. I’ve been kicking long enough and when you land with the top of your shin, the thick part of your shin, right under your knee, and you turn it the right way it’s so heavy and it hurts so bad. Especially on the calf. And the first one I landed, I knew I had him good. “

“I kick hard and Conor’s a wide stance, we thought it’d be hard to check,” he continued. “And I started kicking through his check because he wasn’t checking correctly, it was still the muscle part of his calf. He wasn’t turning his shin all the way outward so it wasn’t shin to shin. Even when he checked, he was getting the bad part of those kicks.

“I know from experience, I’ve been crippled with those from Jim Miller. I’ve been hurt with them a few times. The swelling in your calf, it has nowhere to go. It’s not like the thigh where it can spread out all over. That’s where you get compartment syndrome, the swelling gets stuck in pockets and it’s so painful.”

Get yourself someone that believes in you as much a Justin Poirier's wife believes in him pic.twitter.com/B5T61vM1Go
— Jose R. Rosado (@joserosado) January 24, 2021

As for the difference between fighting Conor in 2014 vs. 2021?

“I felt his presence less, his aura less,” Poirier said. “I just saw another fighter tonight. I think the first fight, I was kind of a deer in the headlights, you could say. This time I was just fighting another man. Another man that bleeds just like me. And I knew that.”

The win puts Poirier in the position to fight for the UFC lightweight title again, but there’s one small problem: he seems completely against fighting fellow top contender Michael Chandler, who dusted Dan Hooker in the first round of their UFC 257 co-main fight.

“Respect to Chandler, great win over a guy,” Poirier said. “But to come in and beat a guy that I just beat and get a title shot? I’ve been what is this, 27, 28 fights in the UFC trying everything fighting the toughest of the toughest guys to get my hands on gold. He should fight Charles Oliveira or something. Let Chandler and Charles Oliveira go at it. That doesn’t really interest me at this point. I’m going to go sell hot sauce if that’s the case.”

So what does interest Poirier?

“A rematch with Conor interests me,” he said. “Always wanted to whup Nate Diaz’s ass. That interests me. I’m sure something will make sense but just right now I don’t know. Me and Conor are 1-1. Nate Diaz likes to talk a lot of s**t online. But I just got to go home and we’ll see.”

“I can guarantee I won’t be fighting Michael Chandler. They can do whatever they want with the division, I don’t care. But if something happens that makes sense, we can do it.”

UFC 257, The Morning After: Michael Chandler’s Perfect Timing

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Here’s what you may have missed!

I’ve been a Michael Chandler fan for a pretty long time.

For anyone who was watching Bellator back in 2011 and witnessed Chandler’s run through the Lightweight tournament, it was easy to be excited about Chandler. That was a decade ago, when Chandler was just 24 years old, not all that far removed from his collegiate wrestling career.

The potential was so incredibly obvious. His athleticism burst off the screen before he even started throwing punches. In the opening round of that Lightweight tourney, Chandler endured an ultra deep kneebar from grappling ace Marcin Held. The Polish leg lock wiz torqued his leg in unpleasant fashion, but Chandler proved his grit in outlasting his foe and immediately answering with an arm triangle choke.

Next-level athleticism and iron will is a stellar combo for a young prospect.

The rest of the tournament saw Chandler demonstrate his wrestling prowess and set up a showdown with Eddie Alvarez. Still just 8-0 as a pro fighter, it was a classic case of too much, too soon. Alvarez’s skill set and experience simply dwarfed the young upstart.

No one told Chandler. He stormed out of the gate and trusted his lifetime of competition, a lifetime of hard work. He trusted his right hand, and it landed early, setting the tone. Alvarez is no quitter, and he tried to battle back, but Chandler’s will would not be denied that night.

And so Chandler earned his first Bellator title in one of the decade’s best fights.

The next two years saw Chandler eviscerate talented contenders before losing a pair of split-decisions to Alvarez and Will Brooks — two fights I always thought the judges got wrong! At the height of that peak, Chandler seemed nearly invincible, a terrifyingly violent ball of fast-twitch muscle and considerable heart.

Around the same time, Benson Henderson and then Anthony Pettis were UFC Lightweight champion. I engaged in many unpaid arguments in the comment section of this very site, stalwartly claiming that Chandler matched up well with those men and could easily be the best 155-pound fighter on the planet. Those fights didn’t happen back then, and there’s obviously no way to prove it now, so those debates died unsettled.

After that high point, Chandler ran into struggles. He lost to Will Brooks again, actually this time. He still won far more than he lost in the next six or so years, but Chandler also suffered two more stoppage losses in title fights. On occasion, his stand up looked decidedly flat, forcing Chandler to wrestle opponents who most would have considered beneath him.

His performances were no longer inspiring.

If there was ever a time Chandler was truly the best in the world, it seemed to have passed. Athletes who work as hard as Chandler can fall off at any age. There was no longer a real demand for UFC to track him down and pay up for his contract; Bellator seemed an appropriate permanent home. When UFC picked him up at the age of 34, not far removed from a knockout loss to a longtime Featherweight (even a great one), the general prediction was more along the lines of a Ben Askren-esque catastrophe rather than title dreams.

Fortunately, Chandler knew something the viewing world did not. By sparking Dan Hooker in just a couple minutes, Chandler proves himself one of the best Lightweights on the planet at this very moment. By doing so on a Conor McGregor card, he practically guarantees himself a title fight or title eliminator next.

Chandler waited for the perfect punch, time, and contract. Now, he’s reaping the rewards.

For complete UFC 257: “McGregor vs. Poirier” results and play-by-play, click HERE!

Biggest Winners, Loser From UFC 257

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) staged its first pay-per-view (PPV) offering of 2021 with UFC 257 going down inside Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” yesterday (Sat., Jan. 23) in Abu Dhabi. In the main event of the evening, Dustin Poirier stunned Conor McGregor, stopping him via strikes in the second round (see it again here). In the co-headlining act, Michael Chandler made an explosive Octagon debut, knocking out Dan Hooker in the first round (recap here).

Biggest Winner: Dustin Poirier

Poirier got some much-desired revenge against McGregor, stopping him via strikes in the second round in a highly-impressive showing. In doing so, Poirier tied the series up at one a piece, which means he likely set himself up for another big pay day should a trilogy fight come around. For now, “The Diamond” put himself in great position to fight for what one can only assume will be the soon-to-be-vacated Lightweight strap since Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t seem to have any plans to fight anytime soon ... if ever again. It is without a doubt Poirier’s biggest win, which can only be outdone if he claims the official 155-pound strap in his next outing.

Runner Up: Michael Chandler

Chandler silenced all of the naysayers and critics who said he didn’t have what it takes to hang with the big boys of UFC by absolutely obliterating Dan Hooker in the first round, putting the entire Lightweight division on notice. The former Bellator MMA 155-pound champion took his time early on, waiting for the right opportunity to unload his power. And he did just that halfway through the opening frame, tagging “The Hangman” with a sneaky left hook that floored him. From there, the wrestling powerhouse pounced on Hooker and unleashed a series of strikes that forced the stoppage. In taking out Hooker in that fashion, Chandler did something Al Iaquinta, Poirier and Paul Felder couldn’t do. He also went home with an extra $50,000 in his pockets. A great debut all the way around.

Biggest Loser: Conor McGregor

McGregor’s highly-anticipated comeback didn’t pan out the way he would have hoped, losing to Poirier via technical knockout. While "Notorious" did look good early on, Poirier made the adjustments and the calf kicks were just too much for “Notorious,” who eventually wound up on the receiving end of “The Diamond’s” devastating strikes. The loss is McGregor’s second in last two outings, with his lone win during that span coming against Donald Cerrone at Welterweight. Is “Notorious” done? Highly-unlikely. He will, however, have to go back to the drawing board and figure out what his next move is. Thankfully for the fiery Irishman, he has several options as the promotion’s biggest star. Still, the loss — which is the first (technical) knockout of his career — will be a tough one for him to swallow and there is no telling where his mind will be in the coming weeks.

For complete UFC 257 results and coverage click here.

McGregor Lost Because He’s Not The Best

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 08:43:29 GMT

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

First it was “inactivity.” Then it was “leg kicks.” Perhaps that’s easier than admitting Dustin Poirier is now the better fighter.

Former two-division champion Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the biggest star in mixed martial arts (MMA) and you can make the argument that he’s the top name in all of combat sports, now that Floyd “Money” Mayweather is retired from boxing.

It’s a label he no longer deserves.

I know the “Notorious” fanboys are going to have trouble swallowing this very simple fact, but when you call yourself the “king” of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), get paid more than anyone else in the sport, and get to pick and choose your opponents, you are going to be held to a different standard.

And rightly so.

McGregor was the odds-on betting favorite to win his UFC 257 pay-per-view (PPV) rematch against Dustin Poirier last night (Jan. 23) on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, closing at -340 to +260 for “The Diamond.” In fact, not a single sportsbook had more than 10 percent of its money on Poirier, according to Darren Rovell.

The house won big last night.

That’s because Poirier stopped McGregor by way of technical knockout in the second stanza (see the highlights here), avenging his loss to the trash-talking Irishman and settling a rankings despite they had last May.

“How is the pea ahead of me in rankings? I sparked him in 90 seconds,” McGregor said. “Went further against most recent foe, plus took a round. After two-year layoff partying and or in jail/court. What a weird little game you guys play. I’ll bide my time for now but watch this space. All bums.”

“Because I’ve been fighting real contenders and you’ve been hand-picking opponents,” Poirier fired back.

There was a time when McGregor had earned the title of “best in the world,” along with two titles to put around his waist. But just like his run at featherweight, “Notorious” never made a single lightweight title defense and used his combat sports notoriety to craft his own whiskey, talk his way into a Floyd Mayweather bout, and become the new king of burgers.

He deserved it because he earned it.

McGregor wiped the floor with Eddie Alvarez in late 2016 but would only fight twice over the next four years. During that span, Poirier competed eight times, smashing Justin Gaethje before capturing the interim strap with a win over Max Holloway. His only blemish during that run was a loss to undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who also submitted the 32 year-old Irishman.

It was thought perhaps the Nate Diaz loss at UFC 196 — contested at welterweight — was something of a fluke for McGregor but if we’re being honest, he’s been rather mediocre since abandoning the 145-pound weight class. His record is 3-3 and he’s been finished in all three losses. And that’s not counting his defeat to Mayweather in summer 2017.

Is that the kind of resume that warrants this much hype?

McGregor — who blamed “inactivity” for his Poirier performance— does not hold a victory over anyone currently ranked in the Top 15. He certainly earned his way to the top ... but what did he do to keep it? I can’t get that excited about a welterweight victory over Donald Cerrone, who went into the “Notorious” fight having already been finished seven times in his career.

Which included back-to-back knockout losses to Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje.

There was a time when McGregor was the best in the world but that time has long since passed. He still has the “it” factor and remains an exciting fighter to watch. It would just be nice if the promotion could stop booking him for title fights before he beats an actual contender because the “War Gods” make you pay for that kind of disrespect.

On a more positive note, maybe now we can finally get that “special” Nate Diaz trilogy.

McGregor Breaks Down Loss To Poirier At UFC 257: ‘Those Leg Kicks!’

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 08:08:04 GMT

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

UFC 257 was supposed to be a set up for Conor McGregor’s return to UFC lightweight title contention, but instead it ended halfway through round two with McGregor knocked out on the canvas and his opponent Dustin Poirier victorious (see the highlights here). New plans are already afoot: Poirier may face fellow UFC 257 winner Michael Chandler for the 155 pound belt, barring the miraculous return of recently retired champ Khabib Nurmagomedov.

So where does that leave McGregor? Hungry and ready to come back and fight again, apparently.

Immediately after the loss, McGregor blamed the lack of cage time for his loss. At the post-fight press conference, you could see the wheels turning in his head as he fixated on the calf kicks that slowed him down and led to him getting knocked out.

“That low one is a very interesting kick,” McGregor said. “Same stance, opposite stance it’s nothing ... but the outside ones were wrapping around. Even though I felt like I turned the leg out and checked it, you have to almost turn it right around, it has to hit the bone and not the muscle. And that’s it. Me and Dustin, now, we’re 1-1. For sure we’ll go again.”

“I’ll certainly regroup,” he said when asked about what was next. “I’ll regroup and pick myself up off the floor and go again and that’s it. Styles make fights, there are many great stylistic matchups out there. Me and Dustin are 1-1, myself and Nate are 1-1. There are many good matchups for me and I’ll adopt a different approach for a trilogy with Dustin because those leg kicks are not to be messed with.

“That calf kick. I’ve never experienced that, and it’s a good one. It’s not that I don’t have the style in me to switch it up and keep that at bay. I’ve a lot more weapons I didn’t get to show. It wasn’t my night. Wasn’t a great night.”

“My leg is completely dead. Even though I felt like I was checking them, they were just sinking into the muscle at the front of the leg and it was badly compromised. It’s like an American football in my suit at the moment. So it is what it is. Dustin fought a hell of a fight. Engaged in the takedown. Thought I did well. Got up and turned him. I was in my head thinking ‘Just tie up.’ I felt good in the clinch, thought I was better than him in the clinch. But it was too little too late. The leg was compromised and I didn’t adjust. And that’s it. Fair play to Dustin and I’m very happy for him.”

“I felt well stronger than him,” he continued. “Well stronger. Maybe I’ll switch up my game the next time I fight Dustin. Maybe you’ll see a grappling side of me the next time me and Dustin go ahead. I just have to keep going and be able to go through the disciplines seamlessly and make the correct decisions in there. And that will only come with time in the Octagon. You can do a billion rounds outside, but without time inside the Octagon, live. It’s a hard thing to do. Got away with it the last while but not tonight.”

So McGregor made it very clear: he would return as soon as the swelling in his leg muscle allowed. And don’t think he is giving up on winning back the UFC lightweight title.

“I would like to get in and get back on the horse and secure the new belt with the Irish flag on it, for sure,” he said. “And anything can happen in this business so long as you stay active, so long as you compete. Things shape around you. You show up and you reap the rewards, and that’s it. That’s what happened for Dustin tonight, and what happened against me tonight. So I’ll keep my eye on the prize, for sure.”

For complete UFC 257 results and coverage click here.

Here’s What Khabib Said To Dana After Conor’s Loss At UFC 257

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 07:04:33 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

The UFC president revealed that he had already spoken with Khabib about potentially returning for one more fight. Here’s how that went.

UFC 257 went down on Saturday night from Fight Island, Abu Dhabi and it didn’t exactly go as planned.

Massive demand for the card led to serious problems with the ESPN+ platform on the west coast of the country, locking out tons of fans until halfway through the pay-per-view card. And then the UFC’s biggest star, Conor McGregor, got knocked out by Dustin Poirier, killing what little hope UFC president Dana White had of a McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov rematch.

White showed up looking a little glum to the post-event press conference, and it took all of three minutes for media to ask whether White had spoken to Khabib regarding UFC 257. Leading up to the event, White had claimed Khabib would come back if he saw ‘something spectacular’ at the event that got his competitive juices flowing.

“I did talk to Khabib,” White said. “And he said to me ‘Dana, be honest with yourself. I’m so many levels above these guys. I’ve beat these guys.’ I don’t know. But it doesn’t sound very positive. So we’ll see. And what he said, I told you guys before, he won’t hold the division up. I mean, he already retired! He’s basically retired and I’m the one that’s basically been trying to get him to do one more.”

As far as stripping the title, White still seemed in no rush.

“It doesn’t matter because these two just fought, they’re not going to be fighting any time soon,” he said. “So we’ll get it figured out.”

This is what happened, when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 24, 2021

Was that basically confirming that Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler would probably be fighting for the vacant lightweight belt later this year?

“Yeah,” White said, before later adding “I’m obviously going to talk to Khabib and see if he wants to defend that title. And if he doesn’t, I won’t push it any more.”

As for the scuttled for now Khabib vs. Conor rematch?

“He hates Conor, so I know he wanted Conor to lose,” he said. “But there has to be a little piece of him inside that ... the fight with him and Conor would have been one of the biggest fights ever, if not the biggest fight. The last few days, the ways this thing has been trending. You guys had to feel it with your numbers, our numbers are off the charts this week.”

“I was saying that I felt Khabib vs. Conor could be the number 3 fight all time period in all combat sports. Today, I felt like it could be number one, I felt like it could beat McGregor Mayweather. So a piece of him had to want to be a part of a fight that big.”

We think Dana’s still not being honest with himself about how Khabib really thinks.

UFC 257 Bonuses! Chandler Leads $50K Winners With Debut Finish

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 06:37:00 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Dustin Poirier pulled off the biggest win of his career last night (Sat., Jan. 23, 2021) at UFC 257 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Etihad Arena on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., when he stopped Conor McGregor via second-round TKO (highlights HERE).

In addition to Poirier’s main event upset, Michael Chandler made a huge Octagon debut with a first-round TKO finish over Dan Hooker, women’s strawweight contender Marina Rodriguez toppled Amanda Ribas via second-round TKO, and middleweight finisher Makhmud Muradov put a vicious stop to veteran Andrew Sanchez.

In order to sift through the action and see which fighters took home an extra $50,000, we take a closer look at the official UFC 257 bonus winners below:

Performance of the Night: Dustin Poirier
Performance of the Night: Michael Chandler
Performance of the Night: Makhmud Muradov
Performance of the Night: Marina Rodriguez

For complete UFC 257 results and coverage click here.

McGregor Blames ‘Inactivity’ For Loss, Vows To Return In 2021

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 06:21:12 GMT

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Dustin Poirier shocked the world on Saturday night (Jan. 23, 2021), knocking out Conor McGregor in the second round of their rematch on “Fight Island” in UFC 257’s main event.

Things initially didn’t look good for “The Diamond” as McGregor connected with a solid stream of power punches right on the chin. Their battles against the fence featured the same furious shoulder attacks that put Donald Cerrone into a daze last year. But, Poirier landed some key kicks to the calf that immediately began to limit McGregor’s mobility. In the second round McGregor was no longer landing with ease, and the kicks from Poirier kept coming.

Once McGregor got fussed with his legs, Poirier went upstairs and unleashed a combo that dazed him against the cage. Dustin stepped in for the kill and moments later referee Herb Dean was waving the fight off with McGregor senseless on the canvas (watch the highlights here). It’s the first time we’ve seen McGregor get knocked out in his career.

After he was back up on his feet, McGregor stuck around for a post-fight interview where he blamed the loss on inaction and vowed to return sooner rather than later.

“You know, it’s hard to overcome inactivity over long periods of time and that’s just it,” he said. “The leg kicks were good. That low calf kick was good. The leg was dead and then ... I just wasn’t as comfortable as I needed to be. It’s inactivity and that’s it. But Dustin Poirier is some fighter. If you don’t put in the time in here, you’re going to get cold in here. I’ll have to dust it off and come back and that’s it, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

"That low calf kick was good. The leg was dead and then I just wasn't as comfortable as I needed to be." -Conor McGregor #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/9tKXQhh5a6
— MMA mania (@mmamania) January 24, 2021

When interviewer Jon Anik asked if we’d be seeing McGregor again in 2021, McGregor’s response almost sounded like a plea to UFC brass, who kept him shelved for the majority of 2020 hoping to put together a Khabib Nurmagomedov rematch.

“Of course, I need activity you guys, come on,” McGregor said. “You don’t get away with being inactive in this business and that’s the way it is. I’ll take my licks. I’m gutted, I’m gutted. I put so much work in. Well done Dustin, good man. It’s a tough one to swallow. I put in a lot of work, I’m proud of my work. I’d like to have represented my team a bit better, but we’ll get to go again and that’s it.

“I’m going to go home to my kids in the hotel and just chill for a bit and regroup and that’s it,” he concluded.

For complete UFC 257 results and coverage click here.

Twitter Reacts To McGregor’s First KO Loss

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 06:20:55 GMT

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Dustin Poirier shocked the MMA world last night (Sat., Jan. 23, 2021) at UFC 257 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Etihad Arena on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., when he finished former UFC double champ Conor McGregor via second-round TKO (highlights HERE).

Poirier, who was trying to avenge a TKO loss to McGregor at featherweight back in 2014, was getting tagged early on into the fight. But after landing some solid calf kicks “Diamond” was able to take McGregor’s patented mobility away. Once that happened “Notorious” was left wide open for Poirier’s punches and ended up wilting under the pressure in the second round.

This was a massive event for UFC and McGregor’s long-awaited return to the lightweight division, but it was Poirier who stole the show. MMA’s finest took to social media following the conclusion of UFC 257’s main event to talk about McGregor’s first knockout loss. Check it out below:

This is what happened, when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 24, 2021

Wow man gotta feel good for poirier. Brought the hot sauce. Calf kick started it then the boxing. Put Conor’s back against the cage changed the game #UFC257
— Brian BOOM Kelleher (@brianboom135) January 24, 2021

Respect to @TheNotoriousMMA for taking that fight with a hungry top contender
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) January 24, 2021

I’ve known @DustinPoirier since his first or second fight in the ufc and so happy for him to be now one of the best fighters in the world #ufc257
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) January 24, 2021

Everyone talking like they’re shocked but upsets like that happen on literally almost every card
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) January 24, 2021

Looks like the teacher @TheNotoriousMMA learned from the pupil @StrabanimalMMA. Didn't that look just like you? #UFC257
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) January 24, 2021

The low calf kick wasnt really a thing like 3-5 years ago, now it is being used soooo effectively!
— Funky (@Benaskren) January 24, 2021

Beautiful thing about the fight game, anything can happen! Congrats to @DustinPoirier Huge win! #UFC257
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) January 24, 2021

I think I would retire Conor with my kicks #UFC257
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) January 24, 2021

For Poirier, the biggest difference between tonight and their first fight in 2014 was that he didn't let Conor McGregor's starpower and showmanship intimidate and overwhelm him. He talked back. He gestured back. When he created his opening, he ATTACKED.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 24, 2021

Fight lived up to the hype I think. Dustin took some shots, adjusted super well between rounds and got the win. Not as noticeable but Dustin’s boxing opened up but hurting connors leg.
— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) January 24, 2021

I’m always gonna be a Conor and a Dustin fan. That was a beautiful fight. Congrats Dustin, well deserved #ufc257
— Jessy Jess (@missjessyjess) January 24, 2021

Soooo who fighting for the title/vacant title?? #UFC257
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) January 24, 2021

Jake Paul's reaction to Conor McGregor getting KO'd #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/BAqrHHuxZT
— MMA mania (@mmamania) January 24, 2021

Hard work pays off. I know something about it ;).
Congrats @DustinPoirier! #UFC257
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) January 24, 2021

Congrats man. Great victory. https://t.co/8OgJ1CPD50
— Charles Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) January 24, 2021

More coming https://t.co/YlFkwFAhbt
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) January 24, 2021

For complete UFC 257 results and coverage click here.

Highlights! Poirier Pulls It Off, Finishes McGregor At UFC 257

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 05:55:29 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

To stream UFC 257 LIVE on ESPN+ PPV click here!

Dustin Poirier evened the score with Conor McGregor last night (Sat., Jan. 23, 2021) at UFC 257 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Etihad Arena on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., finishing “Notorious” via second-round TKO (punches) in their main event rematch. It is the first time McGregor has been stopped via strikes in his MMA career.

Poirier avoided some good shots early to secure a takedown. McGregor was able to get back to his feet and score some crisp jabs, short shoulder bumps, and a few power lefts. Poirier responded with his own shots including some snapping leg kicks down low.

In Round 2, Poirier landed more leg kicks that seemed to bother McGregor. “Notorious” kept trying to push forward but his movement was staggered. Poirier was able to take advantage and he started to tag McGregor with serious shots. McGregor ate a few but eventually collapsed to the canvas at the hands of a Poirier right hand. “Diamond” moved in for some extra punches and the eventual stoppage.

Check out the highlights below courtesy of UFC/ESPN.

No-No-Notorious!

@TheNotoriousMMA is on the move.

[ Get #UFC257: https://t.co/WIlDviqjgc | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/J8g7CFSVYv
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

Time to make things fair.

@DustinPoirier is ready for HIS moment!

[ Get #UFC257: https://t.co/WIlDviqjgc | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/ZrrrNkgHvf
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

@TheNotoriousMMA IN FINE FORM. #UFC257

️ #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/WUkfdD9tXY
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 24, 2021

Part II starts now...

[ Get #UFC257: https://t.co/vFZAHQckS9 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/g0yE7oJaUT
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

Dustin derriba a Conor! #UFC257 #InAbuDhabi @visitabudhabi #UFCEnVivo pic.twitter.com/3eBf0EdjP4
— ufcespanol (@UFCEspanol) January 24, 2021

Mucha tensión en el primer round, fuertes intercambios! #UFC257 #InAbuDhabi @visitabudhabi #UFCEnVivo pic.twitter.com/NtiGFsZ3sq
— ufcespanol (@UFCEspanol) January 24, 2021

SCORE: EQUALED.

[ #UFC257 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/V7sOcRy1Uh
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

From beginning to end, all class this time

[ #UFC257 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/E5TFQvCChA
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

Two wins vs Holloway.

One win vs McGregor.

Best boxer in the Octagon? #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/HsuQMzwkFV
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

"I'm gutted." Conor McGregor reacts after his #UFC257 loss. pic.twitter.com/CJN7a2FuZg
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

For complete UFC 257 results and coverage click here.

Poirier Stops McGregor In Second!

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 05:47:37 GMT

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Did Conor McGregor win? Find out below!

Former two-division “champ-champ” and current No. 4-ranked Lightweight contender, Conor McGregor, is back in the face punching business tonight (Sat., Jan. 23, 2021), colliding with ex-interim 155-pound champion and reigning No. 2-seeded contender, Dustin Poirier, in UFC 257’s pay-per-view (PPV) main event from inside Ethiad Arena on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The winner of this fight is expected to get the next crack at the division strap later this year.

Live updates will begin to flow below the moment the two fighters make their way to the Octagon ...

Even though he won their first fight back at UFC 178 and is the much bigger superstar, McGregor was first to make the walk because he is ranked lower than “Diamond.”

No-No-Notorious!

@TheNotoriousMMA is on the move.

[ Get #UFC257: https://t.co/WIlDviqjgc | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/J8g7CFSVYv
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

Then it was Poirier’s turn ...

Time to make things fair.

@DustinPoirier is ready for HIS moment!

[ Get #UFC257: https://t.co/WIlDviqjgc | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/ZrrrNkgHvf
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

Round One:

Both fighters touched gloves, respectfully, and then it was on ...

Conor came out firing with a big left hand, then the pair exchanged quick shots, as the Irishman looked to corner Poirier in a corner. Poirier unexpectedly scored a takedown, bit Conor scooted to the cage and walked his way up the cage, where Conor began to land those shoulder strikes along the fence. Poirier reversed him on the fence and the two battled for position, with Conor landing hard knees to the mid-section. Poirier worked for a single-leg takedown, but Conor was able to control the wrists and reverse Poirier along the cage. Rather than separate, Conor hung out along the fence and landed a nice elbow before the two finally broke free. Conor landed a shovel hook that wobbled Poirier a bit, who took a deep breath and then fired back with a nice check hook of his own. Leg kicks from Conor didn’t appear to slow him much, landing a nice left hand in the final 10 seconds. Great round for both men — very close.

Round Two:

Low kick from Poirier wobbled Conor early, but a counter shot upstairs scored for him immediately after. Another kick from Poirier and Conor appeared to be very bothered, but he kept pressing forward nevertheless. Conor caught a leg kick, then another, and tried to put together a combination afterward, but it did not have its intended impact. Conor scored with a big left hand, but Poirier fired back and hurt McGregor. He was in deep trouble ... and then Poirier began to put together serious combinations along the fence. Conor tried to return fire, but he was in a bad way. Poirier’s onslaught continued until Conor crumbled to the bottom of the cage. Poirier pounced and pounded out McGregor with heavy left hooks until he was limp on the canvas.

Holy crap ... REVENGE!

SCORE: EQUALED.

[ #UFC257 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/V7sOcRy1Uh
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

From beginning to end, all class this time

[ #UFC257 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/E5TFQvCChA
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

Some post-fight comments ...

Two wins vs Holloway.

One win vs McGregor.

Best boxer in the Octagon? #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/HsuQMzwkFV
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

"I'm gutted." Conor McGregor reacts after his #UFC257 loss. pic.twitter.com/CJN7a2FuZg
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

Final result: Poirier defeats McGregor via second round technical knockout

MMAmania.com is delivering LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 257 PPV main card RIGHT HERE, right now.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 257: “McGregor vs. Poirier 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.