Morning Report: Conor McGregor predicts knockout of Dustin Poirier ‘inside 60 seconds’ at UFC 257

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting The UFC is finally back and so too is “Mystic Mac”.
Following a hectic 2020, the world’s premier MMA organization hasn’t held an event in nearly a month, but all that changes this weekend. On Saturday, the UFC kicks off their 2021 campaign with three events in just nine days, culminating in the UFC’s first pay-per-view event of the year - UFC 257. That event will be headlined by a lightweight rematch between former champion Conor McGregor and former interim champion Dustin Poirier.
McGregor and Poirier first fought at UFC 178 in 2014 in a featherweight bout, with McGregor knocking Poirier out in under two minutes. Since then, both men have improved and gone on to have tremendous success in the sport, but when they rematch this weekend, McGregor is of the belief that things will go even better for him this time around.
“I like Dustin,” McGregor said in a clip from UFC 257 Countdown published on UFC Europe social media. “I think he’s a good fighter. He’s even a great fighter. But great is still levels below me. I’ll knock Dustin out inside 60 seconds.”
McGregor has made a habit of predicting his bout outcomes and has a pretty solid history of success. In his last bout “Mystic Mac” predicted a knockout victory over Donald Cerrone which he delivered in just 40 seconds.
If McGregor’s prediction can prove prescient for this bout also, it could bode well for the former champion. The UFC lightweight title picture is currently muddled, with champion Khabib Nurmagomedov saying he is retired from the sport and UFC President Dana White openly admitting to trying as hard as possible to get Khabib to accept one more fight. That one fight that White wants is a rematch between Khabib and McGregor and Khabib will be in attendance for UFC 257, so should McGregor win next Saturday, it’s possible Conor could use his “Notorious” mic skills to goad the champion back for one more fight.

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[h=1]TOP STORIES[/h]Considerate. Dana White determined to book another Khabib Nurmagomedov fight: ‘I’m gonna press him as hard as I can for one more’.
Safety. Etihad Arena lists official COVID-19 safety measures for fans at January UFC Fight Island shows.
Explanation. Anthony Pettis explains UFC departure, plans to become ‘the face’ of PFL.
Confidence. Francis Ngannou: Everyone would love to see me fight Jon Jones, but I’m ‘not worried’ he’ll take my title shot.
Call out. Deiveson Figueiredo responds to ‘fatso’ Henry Cejudo: ‘I am going to knock you out’.

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[h=1]VIDEO STEW[/h]Inside the Octagon - Poirier vs. McGregor 2.


Fight Week Food Diaries.


As we prepare to return to Fight Island, looking at the top finishes from there already.


LFA’s fan choice awards.


Looking at how Jan Blachowicz improved to become champion.


Jordan Burroughs talking to Joe Rogan about why he’s never competed in MMA.

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[h=1]LISTEN UP[/h]On to the Next One. Discussing the top-five title and non-title fights we want in 2021.
Anik & Florian. Previewing UFC Fight Island 7, the UFC’s debut on ABC.

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[h=1]SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE[/h]A very Diego announcement.
Statement.
Congratulations are in order.
Good view.
Next up, the UFC on Nick.

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[h=1]FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS[/h]Nik Lentz (30-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Movsar Evloev (13-0); UFC 257, Jan. 23
Belal Muhammad (17-3) vs. Dhiego Lima (15-7); UFC 258, Feb. 13.
Livinha Souza (14-2) vs. Amanda Lemos (8-1-1); UFC 259, Mar. 6.

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[h=1]FINAL THOUGHTS[/h]Well, that was a lovely break from fighting but now it’s over. The UFC is back this weekend and they’re returning in style with three events in nine days. Should be a pretty good start to 2021.
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow

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[h=1]EXIT POLL[/h]

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