Conor McGregor was never short of a few words at his press conferences. Today’s press conference for UFC 264 was no different, with the Irishman intermittently yelling at the cameras, interrupting Dustin Poirier, and making brazen declarations of his own supremacy.
McGregor made it clear that he fully expects to defeat Poirier and move on to challenge Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight championship:
McGregor LAYS IT DOWN: “It’s Oliveira Next!
“I’m already thinking that Allegiant Stadium is where we’re heading, I feel maybe Christmas time, December.
I don’t know. We’ll talk afterward. But that world title will be contested in the Allegiant Stadium here in Las Vegas, I would imagine so.
I like the look of it. It’s called a “Death Star” as well, and that’s what I’m feeling like right now, a death star.”
McGregor has his eyes set on reclaiming UFC gold. Conor hardly needs the money he would rake in from “money fights”, such as a return to boxing or a trilogy fight against Nate Diaz. For the moment, he wants to reclaim the lightweight title he once held.
Oliveira is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. Although Oliveira was once known primarily for his wrestling and prodigious grappling ability, he displayed powerful, technical striking in his title bout against Michael Chandler.
Oliveira with added knockout power is a dangerous opponent for anyone, but Conor disagrees. When asked if Oliveria impressed him, McGregor’s answer was simple.
“No.He’s timid. He’s going to crumble.”
If Conor can defeat Dustin Poirier – and that’s a big if – it will mark a frightening return to form for a fighter who has been so inactive for so long. While Conor was flirting with a career in boxing, selling whiskey, and throwing chairs at buses, Dustin Poirier was competing in the UFC.
Poirier spent the years since his defeat at McGregor’s hands fighting and improving. Poirier is arguably more dangerous as a lightweight than he was at featherweight, while Conor’s sole lightweight victory was his title win over Eddie Alvarez.
Whoever wins this fight almost certainly challenges Charles Oliveira for the title. What’s astonishing is that the McGregor v Poirier trilogy may just eclipse the title bout regardless of who wins. Either result will have massive implications for the legacy of both fighters.
Either it’s the terrifying return of the old Conor McGregor, or the affirmation of Dustin Poirier’s rise to the top.
Let us know whether you think McGregor has what it takes to take Charles Oliveira out in the comments.
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