Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier share an iconic rivalry that has still not been resolved even after a trilogy fight. They share bad blood since UFC 264, where McGregor made disrespectful comments about Poirier’s wife. However, that did not stop ‘The Diamond’ from acknowledging McGregor for the high-level athlete that he is.
Dustin Poirier recently made an appearance at the ESPN’s Sports Center. There ‘The Diamond’ addressed Conor McGregor and his toe injury, forcing him to pull out of his highly anticipated comeback. Like everybody else, Poirier acknowledged that pulling out of one of International Fight Week due to a broken pinky toe was unusual. However, he was not highly critical of his superstar rival.
Just looking at his career and the things he has accomplished, the man has a strong mindset. If he commits himself to be the best he can if his body allows him to be the best he can, I think he’s going to come back strong.
Dustn Poirier on ESPN
Conor McGregor has not stepped in the octagon in nearly three years. UFC 303 was the big day when fans were finally expecting to see ‘The Notorious’ face Michael Chandler. However, a mishap during a training session resulted in a broken toe. It was not a compromise the former double champion was willing to make.
Dustin Poirier expects Conor McGregor to come back strong 💪
“Just looking at [Conor’s] career, the things he’s accomplished, the man has a strong mindset…
If his body allows him to be the best he can, I think he’s gonna come back strong.”
🎥 @espnmma #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/UtXplLrux7
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 29, 2024
As a result, the fight has been postponed indefinitely. While many believe the era of ‘The Notorious’ is over, rival Dustin Poirier believes he could make a strong comeback. Poirier also had some interesting thoughts about his recent rival, Islam Makhachev, and his potential title fight against Arman Tsarukyan.
Dustin Poirier picks between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan
‘ESPN MMA’ recently hosted a live show for the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast hosted by Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen. Also featured was Dustin Poirier, who has just come from a title fight against reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan back in 2019 (Image via X)Arman Tsarukyan recently defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 to become the #1 contender for the lightweight title. Although a few complications have made it unclear as to when this fight will happen, they are rumored to potentially throwdown later down the line. At the show, a fan asked Poirier who he would pick to win between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.
I think Islam’s striking has really evolved. He has made leaps and bounds with the striking… I think the fight will be on the feet till Islam decides to take him down. I just think Islam’s striking is a bit more crisp… So if it stays on the feet, I am going Islam. Obviously the grappling, probably Islam, so that is who I would pick.
Dustn Poirier on ESPN
Islam Makhachev defeated Dustin Poirier in the final round of UFC 302. He is now ready to defend his title again, possibly in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan. They first fought back in 2019 at UFC Fight Night 149. That fight had gone the distance and the Dagestani had walked away with a unanimous decision win. It will be interesting to see what happens in the rematch.
!
