Conor McGregor Recaps Loss To Dustin Poirier, 'Buzzing' For Potential Trilogy Bout
 |
| Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger - Zuffa LLC |
Former two-weight world champion, 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor has reflected deeply on his UFC 257 knockout loss to two-time foe, Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier tonight, once more calling for a rubber-match with the Lafayette native.
Headlining the promotion's flagship event return on January 23rd. -- McGregor made his first Octagon walk in just over a year, clashing with UFC 178 opponent, Poirier in a pivotal lightweight clash. Hoping to improve to 2-0 against the Louisianan and possibly earn a rematch against arch-rival, Khabib Nurmagoemdov, McGregor had previously stopped Poirier in less than two minutes back in September 2014.
Scuppering plans in a truly splendid performance, American Top Team mainstay, Poirier withstood some dicey first-round exchanges, notably scoring massive counter right hooks of his own, as well as a series of ultimately telling calf kicks.
Beginning the second round as he ended the first, Poirier again found his groove with counter shots, and midway through the frame, landed another crushing calf offence, buckling McGregor's southpaw right.
Following up with a massive barrage of hooks at the fence, McGregor's head movement failed him as Poirier connected with a beautifully placed right hand, dropping the Dubliner before rendering him unconscious with a couple of ground strikes. Redemption for the Lafayette favourite.
Poised to challenge for more than likely vacant lightweight gold in his next outing if he so desires, Poirier remained coy on that idea, instead voicing his interest in a trilogy as McGregor, as the Dubliner did during his post-fight interview with assembled media.
Releasing a lengthy statement tonight along with an extended highlight clip of the main event clash, McGregor noted the debilitating effects of the leg kicks of Poirier, before noting his excitement regarding a potential trilogy matchup with the 32-year-old.
"Some highlights from my last fight! What a trilogy I now have on my hands. Exciting! With a handle on the leg kicks, I will get back to having fun in there. I was in second gear cruising this fight. Best condition I've ever been in. After the wrestling and clinch exchanges, my shots still held their pop. First time for me with this so I am very encouraged to keep going."
"It was the first time I did not use/nor need the stool between rounds also. I did need the stool after tho that's for sure. As well as to this day loads and loads of @tidlsport recovery spray. This stuff is truly magic by the way! All the swelling, bruising, and pain on my leg has literally vanished using it! Try this stuff if you are in pain or banged up. Doesn't work? I'll personally refund you. THIS STUFF IS MAGIC! @tidlsport! Plant based cryotherapy spray. FIRST AND ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND. Magic!"
"I am extremely happy I did not need to use the stool between rounds here anyway. Another first for me! I am most certainly on the right path. Despite the loss, I am on the correct path of evolution."
"Thoughts on the bout: I enjoyed racking up some more time inside the famed UFC Octagon. Forty seconds in three years is all I'd had up to this bout. I was savouring very (sic) second and enjoying my work. A little single disciplined in my approach and stance with the boxing. It's what I get for picking this bout and opponent as a precursor to a boxing match against Pacman (Manny Pacquiao)."
"I deserved to get the legs kicked off me going in with this thinking. This is not the game to play around with. Besides this tho my shots were sharp and I was in full control. Albeit the leg attacks were building up on me throughout the course. Eighteen in total thrown at me, with the final one buckling my leg fully, that was that. The peroneal nerve compromised. Fascinating. First time to experience it. Then a tremendous finishing flurry by my opponent. Hats off!"
"A well fought fight by 'The Diamond'. One apiece now with a trilogy bout for all the marbles! Wow! Exciting! Not a trilogy I was expecting, nor the tactical affair I was anticipating, but I'd be lying if I said this wasn't meant to be. This is exactly how this was always meant to be. Buzzing!!"
Comments
Post a Comment