UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor betting odds, preview, and pick
Conor McGregor celebrates beating Eddie Alvarez during UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Jason Silva/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire)
June 28th, 2021
Bragging rights and legacy points are on the line when Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor prepare for the final chapter of their trilogy at UFC 264. Their heavily hyped bout is scheduled for Saturday, July 10, and we have the betting odds and preview you need to be the big winner on fight night.
Poirier is ascending to superstardom
In one night, Poirier avenged his greatest defeat and turned in the signature performance of his career when he stopped McGregor in the second round last January at UFC 257. "Diamond" is on the verge of superstardom, and coming out on top of the trilogy against McGregor will blast his career to the moon.
Poirier’s path to victory was a result of his resiliency and crushing calf kicks that dulled McGregor’s movements. Though a technically gifted striker, Poirier has exceptional stamina, and is a great finisher both with strikes and submissions.
Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor tale of the tape
| Dustin Poirier | vs. | Conor McGregor |
|---|
27-6 | Record | 22-5 |
32 | Age | 32 |
5'9" | Height | 5'9" |
72" | Reach | 74" |
4-1 | Last 5 Fights | 3-2 |
Conditioning | Key Intangibles | Finishing abilities |
McGregor needs a vintage performance
At his best, McGregor was one of the most vicious strikers in UFC history, and we even saw shades of vintage McGregor in the opening moments at UFC 257. Then again, fame and inactivity have exacerbated his decline, and it may be too late for him to rediscover the fighting spirit that made him the "Notorious" one.
What McGregor always brings to the ring is his exceptional power and finishing skills. The problem, though, is that McGregor is on the back nine of his career, and it’s always hard for a part-time fighter to beat an elite full-timer, regardless of how great they used to be.
Poirier will outlast and down McGregor late
The deciding factor of this fight comes down to McGregor’s adjustments. We already know Poirier isn’t scared of engaging McGregor and has multiple paths to win, but McGregor can absolutely hit pay dirt in his two-round window of opportunity.
Once Poirier escapes the danger zone, expect him to tire McGregor out and pressure him as the fight goes on.
Momentum is on Poirier’s side here. McGregor will try to catch him early, but is going to expand even more energy by going back to a movement-heavy style he doesn’t have in him anymore. Once Poirier gets his timing down, he’ll drop McGregor late and pound out a stoppage to close out their rivalry once and for all.
UFC 264 pick: Poirier
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