Dustin Poirier isn’t scared of “The Notorious” Conor McGregor, he’s one of the few that can honestly say that. The two have grown to dislike each other these past coupe of months and it has only grown since they’ve arrived in Las Vegas for UFC 178.
The bad blood began to spill over at UFC 178 Ultimate Media Day. Conor and Dustin had to be held back while on stage for face offs and continued to talk trash during the rest of the fighter’s poses. There’s no faking this; these two genuinely don’t like each other and they aren’t scared to show it.
The feud only grew when it was time for weigh ins. Conor instigated the action this time by posing next to the scale when it was Poirier’s turn for weigh ins. The crowd further excited the two by chanting for the Irishman. Dustin responded by shouting, “This is my house.” Then it was an all out sprint by both fighters to get into each other’s face. The only thing stopping them was UFC President Dana White.
Mighty Mouse Johnson may have his name on the marquee but it’s hard to deny which fight is truly the main event.
McGregor has a gift of gab seldom seen in MMA. Chael Sonnen is probably considered the best instigator in the sport’s history but McGregor is showing abilities that surpass Chael on the mic. Sonnen always seemed more WWE in his approach; very premeditated and always aiming to shock fans. McGregor on the other hands is just being himself, which just so happens to be outlandishly arrogant. McGregor has the presence of a truly great fighter. The qualities exhibited by Ali, Floyd, and others.
Poirier’s task will be to prove that Conor’s talk is much larger than his fight. This already has my early pick for fight of the night and I’m not expecting this to get out of the 2nd round. both fighters are skilled and both will be swinging for the fences.
This fight has all the makings of a main event and don’t be surprised if you see these two fight again 2 years from now, one wearing the title, and headlining a UFC PPV.