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
Hall vs Topuria: Round 1
Topuria evades a spinning back kick attempt and then nails Hall with multiple hammer fists on the mat!
Hall is out of it! Topuria gets the finish!
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Hall vs Topuria: Round 1
Hall with an Imanari roll towards Topuria’s legs, but his opponent steps away. He flicks out a couple of kicks at the downed Hall’s legs, but Hall soon stands.
Hall again with an unorthodox attack on Topuria’s legs, and another! And another! Topuria is evading, but the threat is still there.
It’s getting a bit repetitive from Hall, though, and the crowd is actually booing the fan favourite now...
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Hall, 34, is eight years older than the undefeated Topuria.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Next up is a featherweight meeting between Ryan Hall (8-1) and Ilia Topuria (10-0).
This one should be intriguing...
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
A fine finish there from Du Plessis with his back against the fence.
“Remember the name,” he tells the Vegas crowd, after informing them of how to pronounce it properly.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Du Plessis def. Giles via second-round TKO (strikes, 1:41).
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Giles vs Du Plessis: Round 2
Giles opens the second round with a clean knee to the body. He then connects with a stiff check left hook!
Du Plessis returns fire with several low kicks, but Giles comes forward again with some elbows...
But he’s taken OUT with a straight right hand! Du Plessis with the KO out of nowhere!
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Giles vs Du Plessis: Round 1
Du Plessis with a nice level change into a double-leg takedown attempt against the cage.
He can’t quite get it, but switches to a single-leg, which is more successful. Du Plessis straight into side control.
He transitions into mount and then almost takes the back, but some slick grappling from Giles sees him reverse the position as the pair stand!
Now Giles has Du Plessis against the fence, and Du Plessis tries for a Kimura...
Giles rolls out and the round comes to an end.
McGregor vs Poirier: Prelims
Giles vs Du Plessis: Round 1
A lot of hype behind Du Plessis coming into this rescheduled bout. The pair touch gloves.
Du Plessis pressures early and misses with a low kick, but he lands a couple soon thereafter. Giles looks loose and relaxed and flicks out a body kick, which narrowly misses. More leg kicks by Du Plessis.
Giles’ hands are low and he’s bouncing back-and-forth. He presses forward and Du Plessis shells up but doesn’t look too comfortable defensively there.
Giles feigns a jumping knee.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments