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via Imago

via Imago

Dustin Poirier is on the p͏ath to͏ the championship͏ as͏ he͏ ͏prep͏ares to cla͏͏sh ͏͏with t͏he͏ reigning cha͏mp͏ion, Is͏l͏a͏m Makhachev, for the 155-pound belt. Both Makhachev͏ an͏d Poirier are highly m͏otivated ͏to defe͏at each other.͏ Am͏id this͏ hubbu͏b, Poirie͏r’s arch-riva͏l, Conor McGregor, has ͏surprisingly come͏ fo͏rward to sup͏port “Diamon͏d” despit͏e their bitter rivalry͏ stemming from “Mystic Mac’s” callout͏ to P͏oirier’s ͏wife.

Conor McGregor initially supported Makhachev for the victory, then switched his support to Poirier, and finally returned to predicting a win for Makhachev. Well, McGregor’s support for Poirier received a three-word response from the lightweight contender, indicating that Poirier is not in the mood to let go of their rivalry.

Dustin Poirer reacts to Conor McGregor’s sudden support

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The dynamic between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor is a bit complicated if one is to take a look at them. Both the fighters have fought thrice in their career with Poirier having an edge of 2-1 against McGregor.However, their last bout was a discontent fight for both of the fighters as ‘Mystic Mac’ broke his shin completely halting the match. Well, Poirier had immense respect for McGregor till UFC 257.

We will get back to it later, but first, it seems that Conor McGregor has changed his prediction. The former dual-weight champion is seemingly supporting Poirier to finish the Dagestani by way of a knockout. This predication by the former champ has been taken into cognizance by Poirier, who is not that amused by McGregor’s support.

While having a conversation with the media, when the host asked Poirier about his opinion on McGregor’s support, the lightweight contender had only one thing to say. What’s that, you ask? Well, Poirier said, “Man, fu*k him”. ‘Diamond’s reaction to the ‘Mystic Mac’s support was palpable considering their drowning relationship.

Poirier and McGregor’s relationship started to turn sour when McGregor failed to pay the $500,000 to Poirier’s ‘The Good Fight Foundation’, however, McGregor gave the amount to another organization in Lousiana. Their relationship turned into a nasty rivalry after their third fight.

After breaking his shin completely, McGregor told Poirier that his wife, Jolie Poirier was in his dm’s. This was the final nail in the coffin of their friendship. Well, now that we got McGregor’s prediction of the fight. Let’s have a look at what the other fighters are saying.

MMA fighter’s prediction of Poirier vs. Makhachev clash

Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev is one of the most anticipated clashes in the promotion for the year. Why, you ask? Well, it might be the retirement fight for Poirier as the former interim lightweight belt holder has hinted that he would like to take the belt and retire. Well, Conor McGregor seems a bit confused in his prediction as he is giving a finish to both of them but what about the other fighters? Let us find out.

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Former middleweight champion and UFC insider, Michael Bisping believes that it would be the Dagestani who would take the belt. “Islam is just incredible, he’s the pound-for-pound number one on the planet and I believe after Saturday night, he’s still going to be the champ” Bisping has always been rational in his analysis and he believes that Poirier has been weak against grappling and Makhachev has one of the best grappling in the promotion. This analysis has helped him to predict the match.

Former middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya has his bet on Makhachev as the winner as well, “If I’m going to put money on this fight, I’m going to have to go with Islam Makhachev, I want Dustin to win… [But] I’m going to go Makhachev by submission.” ‘Stylebender’ has fought enough under promotion to understand the importance of grappling and he believes Poirier’s guillotine will not work against Makhachev.

Former UFC flyweight champion and current flyweight ONE Championship world champion Demetrious Johnson said, “Honestly, I’m going to have to go with Islam Makhachev, I know that I want to see Dustin Poirier finish the story and become champion, but I think it’s a tall mountain to climb when you’re taking on Islam Makhachev.” Islam Makhachev is a pound-4-pound number 1 fighter in UFC rankings and defeating him would be huge and Demetrious Johnson knows it.

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Former featherweight champion and former opponent of Makhachev, Alexander Volkanovski said, “Islam’s going to be too good, I think he’s too safe of a fighter to make mistakes where he’s going to get caught against someone like Dustin Poirier… I don’t see anyone beating Islam for a while unless they catch him.” Volkanovski has fought Makhachev twice and has been defeated twice as well. The former featherweight champ understands that in order to defeat Makhachev they would have to catch him in a spiral.

Most of the fighters are going against Poirier in the fight. Islam Makhachev is not only the fan favorite to win the clash but also the professional favorite. However, will Dustin Poirier be able to break the Dagestani wall and shock the world? State your thoughts in the comments below.