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: Undercard
We have women’s bantamweight action next, with Irene Aldana (12-6) going up against Yana Kunitskaya (14-5, 1 NC).
Aldana missed weight and will forfeit 30 per cent of her purse tonight.
McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard
O’Malley def. Moutinho via third-round TKO (strikes, 4:33).
That’s a shame for Moutinho, who was so close to making it to a decision (loss, but still...).
McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard
O’Malley vs Moutinho: Round 3
I believe O’Malley has just broken the record for most strikes landed in a three-round fight with almost 300, at 80 per cent accuracy!
And with about 30 seconds left on the clock, referee Herb Dean calls it! Moutinho is still standing, but he’s a bloody mess!
McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard
O’Malley vs Moutinho: Round 3
O’Malley kicks low to start this final round. He’s still using jabs and front kicks to try to keep Moutinho at range.
Moutinho with a decent flurry up against the fence. Now O’Malley lands a head kick, but a bloody-faced Moutinho shakes his head in response!
O’Malley connects with a series of precise, hard strikes, but Moutinho keeps coming! This is remarkable!
McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard
O’Malley vs Moutinho: Round 2
A big deep breath by O’Malley at the end of the round.
He’s clearly up on the scorecards, but he’s having to work so hard – constantly fighting going backwards.
McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard
O’Malley vs Moutinho: Round 2
Moutinho flips off O’Malley’s corner.
He’s still walking down ‘Suga’, who lands a triple jab.
The pattern of the first round has continued, with Moutinho pressing forward despite the damage he is taking.
Moutinho, whose mouth is now bloody, is landing the occasional shot, though.
McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard
O’Malley vs Moutinho: Round 1
O’Malley under pressure early. He flicks out some kicks to keep his opponent at bay. He pretends to dribble a basketball after saying tonight’s KO will be for the Phoenix Suns...
Lots of good work while moving backwards from O’Malley. He’s been tagged a few times but has also caught Moutinho with fierce jabs and a high kick.
Now he drops Moutinho with a left hand! He tees off before trying a spinning back kick. He’s toying with Moutinho now.
Moutinho is undeterred, however, and keeps pressing forward. O’Malley throws some front kicks, while Moutinho kicks low.
O’Malley drops his opponent with five seconds to go in this opening round, but the buzzer goes as he tries to lock in a guillotine!
McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard
Moutinho is in the Octagon. Here comes O’Malley.
McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard
Moutinho quit his job just a month ago to allow himself to focus properly on his pursuit of a place in the UFC.
A few weeks later, he was at his mum’s house when he got the call to say he was set to make his debut.
Against O’Malley on the undercard of a McGregor fight, no less!
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