The interim lightweight title fight between UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway and lightweight contender Dustin Poirier later tonight (Sat., April 13, 2019) at UFC 236 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, will be sure to capture much attention from those in the 155-pound division.
Remember, Holloway is moving up to lightweight for the first time in his UFC career as he tries to avenge a 2012 submission loss to Poirier.
One fighter that is already boasting about the main event matchup tonight on ESPN+ PPV is none other than Conor McGregor, who holds victories over both “Blessed” and “Diamond” at the featherweight level. In fact, McGregor is the last fighter Holloway lost to before racking off 13-straight victories inside of the Octagon. As for Poirier, his 2014 TKO loss to McGregor forced him to move up to lightweight where he has turned in an impressive 8-1 (1 NC) record with six finishes.
McGregor, who recently announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA), took to Twitter earlier today to talk about Holloway vs. Poirier 2 and give his official prediction:
UFC 236 TONIGHT on ESPN+
Two former opponents of mine go head to head for a second time, in what will surely be a thriller!
I predict another stoppage victory for Dustin in the sequel.
It is always exciting to see former foes compete, and who knows, maybe future foes again also.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 13, 2019
“UFC 236 TONIGHT on ESPN+. Two former opponents of mine go head to head for a second time, in what will surely be a thriller!” wrote McGregor. “I predict another stoppage victory for Dustin in the sequel. It is always exciting to see former foes compete, and who knows, maybe future foes again also.”
The man known as “Mystic Mac” is usually good with his predictions, but he may be overlooking Holloway a little bit for tonight’s rematch with Poirier. “Diamond” did finish Holloway in their previous meeting but that remains the only time in Holloway’s career that he’s been stopped inside of the cage, which includes his meeting with McGregor himself.
The latest UFC 236 prop bets have Poirier at +375 to defeat Holloway via strikes and +800 to finish him by way of submission. It’s not completely out of the question to see Poirier continue his lightweight dominance and send Holloway back down to featherweight with his first loss in over five years, but there’s a reason “Blessed” has been untouchable in his last 13 bouts.
McGregor’s head coach, John Kavanagh, understands this string of success and is picking Holloway to win the rematch.
I think max gets it this time
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) April 13, 2019
For more UFC 236 fight card news click here.