McGregor v Poirier 3: UFC trilogy fight looks set for July 10

Conor McGregor has revealed that he will fight Dustin Poirier in the UFC octagon for a trilogy on July 10.

The former two-weight world champion returned to the ring for January’s rematch at UFC 257, after earlier announcing his retirement, but was defeated as Dustin Poirier surprisingly claimed an important win.

Irishman, It was the third time Conor McGregor came out of retirement to face fellow 32-year-old Dustin Poirier at the popular Abu Dhabi’s Fight Island, a match which had UK bookie welcome offer for the new fans interested in the fight.

And although McGregor came out victorious in the first round, Dustin Poirier unleashed a flurry of heavy punches to secure a technical knockout win in just two minutes 32 seconds into round two of the fight.

On the night, the Irishman said, “I’m gutted, it’s a tough one to swallow.”

“I felt stronger than him, but his leg kicks were good. I didn’t adjust. My leg was badly compromised, I’ve never experienced those low calf kicks, and I wasn’t as comfortable as I needed to be.

“I have no excuses. It was a phenomenal performance by Dustin. I have to dust it off and come back. I need activity, you don’t get away with being inactive in this business.”

Prior to McGregor’s loss in January, he had earlier stopped the American in just 106 seconds back in September 2014, in their first meeting.

Now that they are tied 1-1, it appears there still exists bad blood between the two fighters as McGregor has taken to social media to announce the date of the forthcoming third meeting.

McGregor said on Instagram, “The fight is booked!” 

“July 10th you’re gonna see what the Mac is about.”

The Irishman, who has an impressive 22-5 fight record, will be looking for his first victory since last year January, while Dustin Poirier (27-6) is unbeaten since his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019.

The third meeting will hold at UFC 264, which UFC boss Dana White reportedly desires to take place in Las Vegas.

Win in their first fight set Conor McGregor on course for stardom. He became the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first simultaneous two-weight champion before facing boxing champion Floyd Mayweather in one of the richest fights in the history of boxing in 2017.

Dustin Poirier had to work his way back gradually into title contention and is currently the number 1 lightweight contender, suffering just two defeats in his 13 bouts since 2014.

Meanwhile, Dana White, UFC president, has called Poirier ‘smart’ for agreeing to take the trilogy fight with McGregor and expects the fight.

Earlier in the week, the UFC revealed its plans to crown a new UFC lightweight champion after Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov made his retirement formal to President White. Many felt that No 1 ranked Poirier would challenge for the 155-pound UFC title, but it was revealed that Michael Chandler would fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 later next month, May.

White has revealed that Dustin Poirier was offered the chance at the title, but opted that he wanted a trilogy fight with Conor McGregor.

Speaking at the UFC 260 presser, White said: “‘Dustin wants the rematch (with McGregor). It’s smart, that’s what he should do. He should take the rematch, take that fight. It’s a big fight for him.