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.