The Scout: UFC 257

Posted on January 20, 2021January 20, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier

It’s been a long 12 months between fights for Conor McGregor, his 30 second demolition job of Cowboy Cerrone being the only time we’ve seen him in the octagon since his 2018 loss to Khabib.

His opponent, Dustin Poirier, has become one of the most dangerous men in the highly competitive lightweight division, his most recent fight being a unanimous decision victory over rising star Dan Hooker in June last year.

This pair first fought at UFC 178 back in September 2014, both up and coming featherweights at the time. Conor made swift work of Poirier on that occasion, scoring a first round TKO.

Just how much can be read into that fight remains to be seen, but for me it was an impossible result to ignore.

Poirier has evolved since 2014 and is in many ways a completely different fighter. He’s developed his own unique style, with improved striking to go along with an excellent ground game.

In the space of two years between 2017 and 2019 he claimed victories over  Anthony Petits, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez and Max Holloway.

McGregor’s ascent in that time is well documented. He remains the biggest name in the UFC, and the biggest draw card in all of combat sports.

The Irishman is on record saying that he has removed all outside distractions in his life and is focused solely on cementing his legacy in the UFC. From what we’ve seen in the build up to this fight (and what he did to Cowboy last year) it’s hard not to take him on his word.

Despite this being a significantly improved Dustin Poirier, I think a fully engaged Conor McGregor remains a nightmare matchup for him. Poirier will look to pressure Conor from the outset, which has the potential to play right into the (heavy) hands of the Irishman.

Conor promised this would be a “masterpiece” and he knows better than anyone the impact of backing up his words. The Notorious One is looking to make a statement, and I think that comes early.

Suggested Bet: Conor McGregor to Win in Round 1 @ $2.70*

*Odds correct as at 1pm, 20th January 2020.

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