Fans of the UFC will be delighted to know that the ultimate bad boy of MMA is set to return to the octagon for UFC 257, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on 23rd January 2021. McGregor has fans all over the world, looking forward to seeing him getting back into action when he takes on his old UFC rival, Dustin Poirier, who will be looking to make amends for their previous interaction. These two rivals will both be looking to make it a quick and easy win, although major bookmakers have UFC 257 odds heavily favoring McGregor to take the win.
The Night for Fighting
This is a night made for fighting as it boasts some excellent UFC action. UFC is set to be the first Pay-Per-View event of the year, and they want to make sure that punters can get their money’s worth. There will be around twelve fights in all, including the major event of the night, that starts at 6.30 pm ET and should last until at least midnight, with the main fights of the night starting at around 10 pm ET. However, if you’re opting to watch it pay per view, then this is a premium event, and the price will reflect it.
A Year Out of the Ring
This is the first time in a year that McGregor will head back into the ring. It was about a year ago that his last fight saw him defeat Donald Cerrone via TKO in just 40 seconds. That was his one and only fight of 2020 – a very difficult year in the sporting world.
This will be his second match against Dustin Poirier, with the first fight taking place way back in 2014 – UFC 178. This match saw McGregor make light work of Poirier, knocking him out in the first round. Proving that ‘The Diamond’ wasn’t quite as hard and sparkly as his moniker suggested. And that he certainly couldn’t withstand as much pressure. However, the fight was a few pounds lighter – at featherweight – and a few years younger. Still, McGregor and his fans will certainly be looking for a repeat, whilst Poirier will look to set the record straight.
Much at Stake
The winner of the match will be looking to get more than a raised hand at the end of the fight. Victory here will mean so much more than the chance to gloat, and loss will mean much more than wounded pride. The winner of this bout could well be heading up the line to fight for the UFC lightweight title. In years gone by, McGregor was stripped of the title before Khabib started his reign as champion. McGregor will see this as the chance to take back what he sees is rightfully his. An excellent start to the year.
It is currently believed that No 1 lightweight fighter, Justin Gaethje will face off against Charles Oliveira soon. Then whoever wins that fight will compete against the winner of the McGregor Vs Poirier fight, with the reward being the UFC lightweight title.
