UFC 257 attracted huge interest among MMA fans for several reasons.
Firstly, among the participants in the main battle of the evening was the ex-champion in two weight categories and concurrently one of the most popular athletes of our time, Conor McGregor.
Secondly, according to its results, the fate of the lightweight belt could be decided, which is currently held by Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the press conference ahead of the show caused a major stir.
In the first few hours alone, on the English and Russian YouTube channels of the Absolute Fighting Championship, the video collected a total of more than two million views.
As was customary, the press conference started late.
25 minutes after the announced time, UFC President Dana White, the participants in the main fight, as well as opponents in the second most important fight of the evening - Dan Hooker and Michael Chandler, for whom this fight should be the first under the auspices of the championship, appeared on the arena.
However, the main focus was on the Irishman, who made his last appearance in the Octagon in January 2020.
It was impossible not to notice that McGregor has changed dramatically in terms of behavior and communication with rivals.
Metamorphoses were traced even before last year's battle with Donald Cerrone, and this time they began to literally catch the eye.
Known for his harsh attacks and bullying of opponents, the Irishman not only behaved respectfully, but openly admired his colleagues.
Looking ahead, during the event, not only Poirier, but also other top fighters of the light division deserved a flattering review.
Not surprisingly, many journalists drew attention to the fact that McGregor and Poirier had previously met each other.
In September 2014, opponents clashed on the undercard of UFC 178, and then the Irishman became the winner.
It took him only 106 seconds to knock out the American and win the first victory over a representative of the top ten featherweight category.
McGregor noticed that from that moment on, Poirier has come a long way: he rose in weight, won ten fights and not only reached the top of the lightweight division, but also won the temporary belt.
However, he suggested that on Sunday he may need even less time to win.
“The first time I knocked him out in 90 seconds, so the difference is small.
It's just that I am fully confident in my own training and abilities.
I know Dustin is a damn good opponent.
And all these questions about the fact that he is heavier, performs in a different weight category, he has more experience ... I now feel that I can (win. -
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) ... In 2020, I spent 40 seconds in the octagon and this caused a lot discontent ... It's not enough, I need more.
So I am determined to fight and am convinced that I can defeat him.
Perhaps I can manage to strike early and give him problems.
I hope for a good, lasting fight, ”said McGregor.
The ex-UFC champion in two weight categories assured that he is well aware of Poirier's abilities and considers him the strongest possible opponent at the moment.
“I have always aimed for the most difficult challenges.
On account of Dustin's victory in a fight with Hooker, he knocked out Justin (Gaji. -
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) ... Here are some worthy contenders for you.
Justin, in turn, knocked out Tony - another challenger.
So I am here at the highest level.
I would advocate that that person, if he continues to leave the duty to return to the competition, stripped of the title and appointed a fight for the championship belt.
I'm wondering what excuses, what words will be heard after this battle (with Poirier at UFC 257. -
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).
I predict that the title will be taken away, ”the fighter expressed his opinion.
Surely many expected that the press conferences on the eve of UFC 257 would be remembered for the numerous remarks about Nurmagomedov and McGregor's attempts to attract the attention of the Russian in any possible way.
There is no doubt that a few years ago he would have acted in this way and tried to offend his counterpart with the help of gross insults, but this time it did not happen.
On the contrary, Conor assured that he does not feel negative feelings towards Khabib.
“All this was in 2018, and now it's 2021.
I will say this: if we have a second fight, then there will be no problems.
That's all.
If he keeps running, I don't know.
Let's see ... Khabib has a lot of things going on in his life.
I do not wish him harm ... The world understands that this confrontation is not over yet, this war is not over yet.
Our sport, people need this fight to take place.
But I won't chase after him if he doesn't want to fight.
Do you understand?
I will keep calm and move on.
That's what I'm doing.
I returned to the category of up to 70 kilograms and in time I will show the world what and how.
It will start on Saturday night with a duel against Dustin Poirier, ”McGregor said.
The former UFC champion also commented on media reports of a lawsuit filed against him on charges of rape.
He assured that he tries not to pay attention to such speculations in the press and is focused on the battle with Porier.
“Well, that's old news.
A thorough investigation was carried out, it took two long years, and I was completely acquitted.
That's all.
There are so many positive things in my life.
I have a great test on Saturday night and I look forward to the fight.
I worked really hard to get to the 70 kilos and get myself in shape, ”McGregor said.
It is noteworthy that initially McGregor and Poirier were going to hold an exhibition fight according to the rules of boxing, the proceeds from which were to go to charity.
As a result, the fight was nevertheless transferred to the octagon and organized by the UFC, but the athletes did not abandon their idea.
According to Dustin, representatives of Conor have already contacted The Good Fight Foundation and transferred a certain amount to it, and will continue to cooperate in the future.
In turn, Dustin was again not very verbose, but also expressed respect for his opponent and tried to demonstrate calmness.
All this was in stark contrast to their joint press conference on the eve of the first battle, when the American had to listen to one insult after another for ten minutes.
Subsequently, he admitted that he did not feel such hatred for any of his opponents.
Poirier assured that in the six years since the first battle, he has changed both physically and mentally, and also brought his skill to a new level.
He also said what he uses as a motivation before the fight and admitted that he hopes to win the title again in the future.
“For me, every battle is responsible.
I try to prove something, to achieve some result from my work, to improve the position of my family.
And this fight is no exception.
I know how important it is in fighting sports to beat Conor McGregor.
And I know that the winner will have to fight for gold.
That's why I'm going to fight, "Poirier said.
At the same time, McGregor said that he also has something to prove to his counterpart.
He recalled that representatives of Poirier's team allowed themselves to reproach him for having problems with "physics".
In particular, the mentor of the American Mike Brown said that as the fight progressed, Conor began to noticeably get tired and became less dangerous.
The Irishman also said that in 2021 he intends to focus on lightweight performances and hold at least three fights.
“I have good success in other weight categories as well.
I showed myself well everywhere.
I won titles in several divisions and won victories by knockout.
At this weight, I feel great.
But wherever I go, I feel like I'm getting cooler.
I'm going to fight for the welterweight title - I feel cool, strong, big.
And now too.
I also feel fast.
So I'm looking forward to the performance.
I didn't have that many fights in the UFC under 70 kg category.
But I’m ready to work hard, I’m ready to work hard, as I do in featherweight: seven to eight fights in a year and a half.
This is what I'm aiming for.
If I can find an opponent ... Some of them are already on stage, so we have good prospects and I look forward to the opportunity to perform, "said McGregor.
The Irishman also said that it allows him to remain motivated after more than 12 years of a professional career in MMA and stated that he intends to strengthen his legacy in the future.
“I have the feeling that everything is just beginning.
Everyone says to me: “Hey Conor, you have achieved everything.
You are so rich!
You are richer than Dana!
What are you doing here?"
And I was like, “What's not allowed?
I want to be here, I want to perform for my fans! "
I'm still young.
There have been many bright moments in my life.
But, you know, all this money and belts - it all comes and goes.
Do you know what remains?
Highlights.
Remember the striking episodes from the careers of Roy Jones Jr., Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali.
I am still reviewing them.
I want to make a whole movie out of the highlights of my fights ... ”, concluded McGregor.