Dustin Poirier is out for revenge this weekend at UFC 257 and doesn’t believe he should be considered an underdog for his rematch with Conor McGregor.
Poirier, who meets McGregor in UFC 257’s main event tomorrow night (Sat., Jan. 23, 2021) live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Etihad Arena on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., will be welcoming “Notorious” back to the lightweight division for the first time in over two years. It will also be the second time “Diamond” is fighting McGregor after getting knocked out by “Notorious” all the way back in 2014 at featherweight.
Despite his long layoff from the division McGregor is coming into his rematch with Poirier as a 3-1 favorite. His past victory over Poirier certainly played a part in those odds coming together, but “Diamond” has looked like one of the best fighters in the world over the past few years. It seems the long-time UFC veteran isn’t getting the respect he deserves even for a fight against a guy he’s already lost to.
Poirier addressed his underdog status during a recent interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith (shown above).
“I’ve been the underdog in so many fights and got my hand raised,” said Poirier. “I’ve been the underdog my whole life. I’m comfortable in this position and no I don’t think I should be.
“I’ve been putting in the work. Beating the best guys in the world. I’ve been in these battles and getting my hand raised. I always find a way.”
Poirier does have a point. While McGregor has only competed twice inside of the Octagon since his last win at lightweight back in 2016 “Diamond” has fought eight times at 155 pounds during that span. That would usually give a fighter a leg up when it comes to oddsmakers and overall outlook on a fight, but McGregor is in a league of his own and will always command the spotlight regardless of inactivity.
“It’s tough to say. I don’t play a whole lot into that because everyone’s different,” said Poirier when asked if McGregor’s inactivity over the past few years will play a role at UFC 257. “One guy it might affect him and the other guy it might not. Just because he was outside of MMA he was still fighting. He was boxing and he was in the gym. Ring rust affects people differently and I don’t play too much into it. I expect the best version.”
McGregor, who looks to be in the best shape he’s ever been in (see it HERE), is hoping to score another finish over Poirier and lock down his next UFC title shot. Poirier can do the same with a win over “Notorious,” but he’ll have to defy the odds once again to make it happen.
What do you think, Maniacs? Is Poirier being overlooked for his rematch with McGregor?
Sound off!
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 257 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPN+ and ESPN at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.