McGregor vs Poirier LIVE: Highlights, who won and latest updates as UFC 264 fight ended over injury
Follow the latest updates and catch up on all the UFC fight highlights
Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier failed to settle their rivalry tonight after a dramatic clash in the main event of UFC 264.
The latest bout marked their third meeting, with McGregor having knocked out Poirier in the first round when they fought at featherweight in 2014, before the American exacted his revenge this January by handing the Irishman the first KO loss of his career. That lightweight contest in Abu Dhabi ended in the second round, with many pundits predicting another early finish as the pair go head-to-head in a sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
There was in fact an early finish, but not an expected one. The trilogy came to a close after McGregor lost to Poirier via doctor stoppage, with the Irishman unable to continue after sustaining an ankle injury at the end of the first round.
McGregor has just one win in the last four-and-a-half years – a 40-second demolition of Donald Cerrone in January 2020 – while Poirier now has eight victories and one defeat in that same period of time. The ‘Diamond’ has established himself as the No 1 lightweight contender in the UFC, and – having previously held interim gold – could have fought for the vacant undisputed title at 155lbs this spring. Instead, Poirier opted for a money fight with McGregor.
Follow all the highlights and fallout from UFC 264 below.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Pereira def. Price via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
That feels about right. Price grew into the fight but a bit too late.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Price vs Pereira: Round 3
A couple of nice jabs by Pereira as he moves backwards, while the crowd chants “Niko!” in Price’s favour.
One minute to go in this contest and Price is starting to connect with right hands.
The buzzer sounds and Price roars! He then hugs Pereira.
I’m not sure he’s done enough to win, but he seemed to enjoy the fight.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Price vs Pereira: Round 3
Price was just singing to himself between rounds: “Five minutes for the rest of my life.”
He starts this final round at a high pace, backing Pereira up against the cage.
We’ve got another pause in the action now, though, after a low blow from Pereira!
He swung a big kick at his opponent’s torso but connected with the groin hard on the way up.
The action soon resumes.
The welterweights are trading on the feet with mixed success. A body kick from Pereira somehow knocks out Price’s mouthguard! It’s straight back in, though.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Price vs Pereira: Round 2
Pereira looks tired now as Price hunts him down on the feet!
An encouraging end to the round for Price, but he may be two down anyway.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Price vs Pereira: Round 2
Pereira backflips into mount! It’s classic him but unique by most standards!
He tries for an Americana but can’t get secure it. So he opts for some ground and pound, which forces Price to give up his back.
But a fine reversal from Price sees him momentarily get a leg lock. He lets go, the pair stand, and the crowd goes wild.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Price vs Pereira: Round 1
Pereira springs from the fence with a Superman punch attempt, but it doesn’t land. A spinning back fist will, however!
Pereira catches Price with a counter right following his opponent’s attempted front kick. Again, Pereira decides not to follow his opponent to the canvas.
The pair end up against the fence and Pereira lands a huge knee up the middle. The opponents separate and Price is again warned about his outstretched fingers.
A strong first round for Pereira.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Price vs Pereira: Round 1
Low kick by Price to start. Pereira finds a home for a jab but seems to get caught with an eye poke in the process. There’s a brief pause in the action...
And replays confirm it. Purely accidental from Price, but nasty nonetheless. We’re soon back under way, however.
Price pressuring Pereira. He catches a front kick and throws a right hand over the top. It misses, but Price forces Pereira to the fence.
Pereira is able to create space and free himself, and we’re back in the centre of the Octagon. Pereira catches a high kick and shoves Price to the mat, but he won’t follow him there.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
The next bout could be the wildest of the night. Niko Price (14-4, 2 NC) takes on Michel Pereira 25-11, 2 NC) in a meeting of two very unorthodox welterweights.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Topuria: “When they offered me this fight, I said, ‘f*** yes, I’m gonna knock this guy out in the first round.’”
He foresaw it and turned it into reality.
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