https://www.scmp.com/rss/502644/feed Dustin Poirier is an American MMA fighter with the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) where he is a former interim lightweight champion. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Michael Chandler has walked back his comments shaming Dustin Poirier for tapping out to UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira this month. The 35-year-old American (22-7) blasted Poirier for “quitting” in a series of tweets posted immediately after his submission defeat by the Brazilian at UFC 269 in Las Vegas. “I will admit, maybe I was a little bit too harsh, maybe the word ‘quit’ was not the right word to use,” former Bellator champion Chandler told MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin on The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3160609/ufc-michael-chandler-apologises-dustin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3160609/ufc-michael-chandler-apologises-dustin?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Dec 2021 18:43:23 +0000 Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz are at odds over the date of their potential fight. The two Americans, who reside among the biggest stars on the UFC roster at present, have been jawing back and forth over a potential fight since Poirier was submitted by lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 last Saturday in Las Vegas. While both men seem interested in the fight, Diaz recently claimed on Twitter that the UFC isn’t interested in making the fight happen – at least not from a fiscal vantage... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3160207/ufc-nate-diaz-bickers-dustin-poirier-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3160207/ufc-nate-diaz-bickers-dustin-poirier-over?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Dec 2021 20:45:56 +0000 Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor wasted no time sharing their thoughts on Dustin Poirier’s loss to Charles Oliveira. Poirier, 32, challenged Brazil’s Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title in the main event of the stacked UFC 269 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Despite a strong first round, throughout which he hit the champ with some blistering power shots, Poirier was ultimately submitted with a rear-naked choke in the third. It was a tough setback for the American, who was submitted by Khabib... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3159395/ufc-269-conor-mcgregor-and-nate-diaz-mock?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3159395/ufc-269-conor-mcgregor-and-nate-diaz-mock?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Dec 2021 08:06:52 +0000 Brazil’s Charles Oliveira cemented himself as the UFC’s top lightweight early on Sunday morning in Las Vegas, submitting No 1 contender Dustin Poirier with a third-round rear-naked choke. The 32-year-old “Do Bronx” met the American “Diamond” in the main event of a stacked UFC 269 event – the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year. The champion found himself in big trouble early, absorbing several huge shots from Poirier in round one. Several of those punches left him on wobbly legs,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3159388/ufc-269-charles-oliveira-taps-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3159388/ufc-269-charles-oliveira-taps-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Dec 2021 06:30:25 +0000 Dustin Poirier’s rivalry with Conor McGregor is alive and well. The American, who will challenge Brazil’s Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title at UFC 269 this Saturday in Las Vegas, has battled “The Notorious” three times previously. Poirier lost his first fight, a 2014 featherweight contest, by first-round knockout. However, the American exacted his revenge earlier this year, scoring first-round stoppage wins over McGregor in back-to-back lightweight contests, the second of which left... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3159308/ufc-269-conor-mcgregor-rivalry-going-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3159308/ufc-269-conor-mcgregor-rivalry-going-be?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Dec 2021 02:01:04 +0000 Dustin Poirier believes immortality in MMA is just one win away. Fresh off a pair of stoppage wins over Conor McGregor, the 32-year-old American will take on Brazil’s Charles Oliveira in the main event of the stacked UFC 269 card this Saturday in Las Vegas. If he wins, he’ll be crowned the undisputed UFC lightweight champion and, by his estimation, cement his place in the MMA history books. To say he is excited for that opportunity would be an understatement. “This feels very special to me... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3159023/ufc-269-poirier-looks-cement-legacy-title-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3159023/ufc-269-poirier-looks-cement-legacy-title-win?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Dec 2021 06:30:27 +0000 Nate Diaz may be coming off a unanimous decision loss against Leon Edwards last month, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping him from wanting to settle some unfinished business. The Stockton, California, native called out Dustin Poirier via social media on Thursday, alongside a picture of the two facing off before their cancelled November 2018 fight. But here’s the catch: welterweight Diaz (21-13) challenged No 1-ranked lightweight Poirier to take him on at middleweight. “185 pounds, pull up,” he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3141366/ufc-nate-diaz-tells-dustin-poirier-pull-185?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3141366/ufc-nate-diaz-tells-dustin-poirier-pull-185?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jul 2021 06:23:58 +0000 The scene was pure modern day Shakespeare: Conor McGregor, face bloodied, leg broken, back against the cage, being interviewed by UFC commentator Joe Rogan, lashing out in an expletive-laden tirade as he suffered his third loss in his fourth fight. Dustin Poirier, who had just beaten the UFC’s biggest star for the second straight time, walked from the Octagon with a dismissive smirk on his face, while his wife Jolie – who had become the target of unacceptable vitriol from “The Notorious” –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3141220/end-conor-mcgregor-ufcs-biggest-icon-might?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3141220/end-conor-mcgregor-ufcs-biggest-icon-might?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jul 2021 10:09:21 +0000 Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping believes Conor McGregor should fire John Kavanagh “immediately” if his coach “truly wasn’t concerned” during Saturday night’s UFC 264 main event. Two of the three cageside judges gave Dustin Poirier (28-6, one no contest) a 10-8 score for the first round at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, before it became apparent McGregor (22-6) could not continue because he had broken his leg. “It was a very, very unfortunate ending,” Bisping told BT Sport.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140957/ufc-michael-bisping-says-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140957/ufc-michael-bisping-says-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jul 2021 10:50:11 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov wasn’t surprised in the least that Dustin Poirier walked away victorious against Conor McGregor again at UFC 264. Former lightweight champion Nurmagomedov – who retired undefeated last October – will forever be associated with the Irishman, following their heated 2018 showdown where he submitted him to retain his belt. And in an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto on Monday, the Dagestan native reacted to Saturday night’s dramatic main event, where former two-division champ... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140912/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-insists-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140912/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedov-insists-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:28:57 +0000 Conor McGregor has gone on another trademark social media diatribe against Dustin Poirier after undergoing surgery on the broken leg he suffered in Saturday night’s UFC 264 main event. The Irishman had a rod placed in his tibia, and his fibia was fixed with a small plate and screws during a three-and-a-half hour surgery after being transported to Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai hospital from Las Vegas on Sunday. The 32-year-old former two division champion is expected to remain in hospital until... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140907/ufc-conor-mcgregor-goes-tweet-and-delete?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140907/ufc-conor-mcgregor-goes-tweet-and-delete?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:53:22 +0000 Dustin Poirier insisted he will fight Conor McGregor for a fourth time – one way or another. “The Diamond” seemingly settled their trilogy, after winning Saturday night’s UFC 264 main event by doctor stoppage after McGregor suffered a broken leg in the final seconds of the first round. UFC president Dana White admitted he was open to a fourth bout, given the way the fight ended, and 32-year-old American Poirier is also willing to run it back down the road – though he has more pressing matters... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140687/ufc-264-dustin-poirier-vows-fight-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140687/ufc-264-dustin-poirier-vows-fight-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jul 2021 11:05:13 +0000 Dana White criticised Conor McGregor for bringing Dustin Poirier’s wife into his trash talk before and after Saturday night’s dramatic UFC 264 main event. Former two-weight champ McGregor (22-6) suffered a brutal leg break in the final seconds of the first round, with Poirier (28-6, one no contest) winning by doctor stoppage. The Irishman had attempted to rile “The Diamond” up all week by insulting his wife, Jolie, who joined her husband in the Octagon after his win, with McGregor subjecting her... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140682/ufc-264-dana-white-criticises-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140682/ufc-264-dana-white-criticises-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jul 2021 09:59:01 +0000 Conor McGregor suffered a brutal broken leg at the end of the first round of Saturday night’s UFC 264 main event, with Dustin Poirier settling their trilogy via a doctor stoppage. The former two-weight champ missed a punch in the final seconds, before stepping backwards only for his left leg to snap underneath him. He fell backwards and “The Diamond” swarmed him with ground and pound looking for the finish, McGregor survived the onslaught, but then it became apparent he could not stand up to sit... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140663/ufc-264-conor-mcgregor-suffers-brutal-broken?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3140663/ufc-264-conor-mcgregor-suffers-brutal-broken?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jul 2021 05:00:30 +0000 The UFC’s scheduled trilogy bout between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier is up in the air after the pair’s feud escalated over charitable donations after their rematch in January. Former two-weight champion McGregor (22-5) – who lost to Poirier (27-6) via second-round TKO at UFC 257 in January – had said post-fight that he would donate US$500,000 (HK$3.9 million) to the former interim lightweight champion’s The Good Fight Foundation, which helps underprivileged communities in Poirier’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3129314/ufc-conor-mcgregor-says-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3129314/ufc-conor-mcgregor-says-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Apr 2021 04:39:52 +0000 Nate Diaz managed to take down Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier all in one tweet as he continues to poke fun at the UFC’s lightweight division. The 35-year-old American (20-12), who has fought at lightweight and welterweight with the promotion in the past, has not fought since losing to Jorge Masvidal via third-round doctor’s stoppage for the ‘BMF’ belt in 2019. Diaz clearly took issue with last weekend’s UFC 257 headliner between Poirier and McGregor: “U [McGregor] and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119279/ufc-nate-diaz-rips-khabib-nurmagomedov-conor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119279/ufc-nate-diaz-rips-khabib-nurmagomedov-conor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Jan 2021 07:23:23 +0000 Most of the talk in the aftermath of UFC 257 has been about Conor McGregor, and where the Irish former two-weight champ goes from here. But it’s time to put some respect on Dustin Poirier’s name. “The Diamond” became the first man to knock out former two division champ McGregor, avenging his 2014 loss as a featherweight to the Irishman, since when he has been grinding his way to the top of the sport at 155 pounds. Still, the 32-year-old American had to play the heel on Sunday in Abu Dhabi,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119201/time-put-some-respect-dustin-poiriers-name?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119201/time-put-some-respect-dustin-poiriers-name?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Jan 2021 14:53:28 +0000 Dustin Poirier has got the world at his feet after knocking out Conor McGregor – but he made it clear he isn’t interested in a match-up with Michael Chandler. The former Bellator champ made a big splash on his UFC debut with a first-round TKO of No 6-ranked Dan Hooker on Sunday’s UFC 257 co-main event, though “The Diamond” feels Chandler is not worth his time in the Octagon. “Respect to Chandler, great win,” Poirier said at the post-event press conference inside Etihad Arena. “But to come in and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119103/ufc-257-dustin-poirier-keen-whip-nate-diaz?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119103/ufc-257-dustin-poirier-keen-whip-nate-diaz?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:38:57 +0000 Conor McGregor hinted he’s ready to switch up his game for a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, after admitting he was caught cold by the American’s brutal calf kicks at UFC 257. Poirier secured a second-round TKO on Sunday, dropping McGregor with some clinical boxing, but it was the low leg kicks that set up his victory, allowing him to immobilise the Irishman and isolate him against the fence. “The Diamond” is likely now to go on and fight for the lightweight title, with champ Khabib... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119049/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-says-dont-write-me-yet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119049/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-says-dont-write-me-yet?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 16:04:57 +0000 After Sunday’s seismic main event denouement on Fight Island, one thing is clear – if Conor McGregor still thinks he’s able to swan off and box Manny Pacquiao, and then waltz back into the UFC to win the lightweight title again, then he’s clearly had one too many Proper Twelves. With 2:32 gone in round two in Abu Dhabi, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier sealed a stunning stoppage win to hand former featherweight and lightweight champ McGregor his first TKO loss, and shock the watching MMA world. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119046/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-must-forget-manny?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119046/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-must-forget-manny?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:41:33 +0000 Khabib Nurmagomedov was quick to stick the boot in to Conor McGregor after the Irishman’s shock TKO at the hands of Dustin Poirier. Former two-weight champ McGregor was a heavy favourite with Las Vegas bookies by was dropped by “The Diamond” (27-6, one no contest) and finished at 2:32 of the second round on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. McGregor (22-5) said he will “take my licks” after the disappointment, in a gracious Octagon interview, but his former rival wasn’t ready to forget their bad... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119013/ufc-257-khabib-mocks-conor-mcgregor-sparring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119013/ufc-257-khabib-mocks-conor-mcgregor-sparring?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 06:50:28 +0000 There weren’t many who saw this coming, not least Conor McGregor. But Dustin Poirier wasn’t surprised at all as he battered McGregor low with calf kicks and then high to the head with his fists to take a stunning second-round TKO win over the Irishman in the UFC 257 main event in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. “I’m happy but I’m not surprised. I put in the work,” the 32-year-old American said in the cage afterwards. “First off I want to say Conor took this result professionally. We’re 1-1 and maybe we’re... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119011/ufc-257-dustin-poirier-tkos-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3119011/ufc-257-dustin-poirier-tkos-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Jan 2021 06:13:31 +0000 Conor McGregor has lived up to his word and donated US$500,000 to Dustin Poirier’s Good Fight Foundation ahead of their blockbuster UFC 257 main event on Sunday. No 2-ranked Poirier (26-6, one no contest) and No 4 McGregor (22-4) will rematch at lightweight on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, but the animosity that marred the build-up to their first bout at featherweight in 2014 has dissipated, with both paying plenty of respect to each other this week. “I don’t want to make it seem like we’re up here... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118946/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-donates-us500000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3118946/ufc-257-conor-mcgregor-donates-us500000?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jan 2021 03:58:49 +0000 Former featherweight champ Max Holloway returns to face Calvin Kattar at UFC Fight Island 7 on Sunday in what will be his first fight without a title on the line in four and a half years. The 29-year-old “Blessed” (21-6) accordingly has a resume stacked with wins over legends and former champs such as Jose Aldo (29-7), Frankie Edgar (23-8-1) and Anthony Pettis (24-10). Having also faced Conor McGregor (22-4), and Dustin Poirier (26-6, one no contest) – twice – he would be a natural choice to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117526/ufc-max-holloway-prepared-step-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117526/ufc-max-holloway-prepared-step-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Jan 2021 05:19:12 +0000 Conor McGregor predicts he will finish lightweight opponent Dustin Poirier within a minute of their rematch. The Irishman (22-4) brought back shades of his classic “Mystic Mac” predictions in a UFC 257 promotional video. The 32-year-old headlines the card alongside American Poirier (26-6) in Abu Dhabi on January 23. “I like Dustin. 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,” said the former two-weight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117230/ufc-conor-mcgregor-vows-ko-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117230/ufc-conor-mcgregor-vows-ko-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Jan 2021 12:00:08 +0000 Conor McGregor is in the shape of his life ahead of his lightweight fight against Dustin Poirier, according to his nutritionist – and his long-serving coaches agree. Irishman McGregor (22-4) is scheduled to rematch American Poirier (26-6) at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi on January 23. It will be the 32-year-old’s first fight in more than a year having finished Donald Cerrone via first-round TKO last January. “Several people have commented already that this is the best shape he’s ever been in. They’re... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117261/ufc-conor-mcgregor-best-shape-hes-ever-been?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3117261/ufc-conor-mcgregor-best-shape-hes-ever-been?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Jan 2021 11:00:08 +0000 The consensus is Conor McGregor holds the psychological advantage over Dustin Poirier heading into their UFC 257 main event rematch on January 23. McGregor (22-4) TKO’d “The Diamond” (26-6, one no contest) in the first round of their 2014 contest, during his meteoric rise to the UFC featherweight title and MMA superstardom. Plenty has changed since – not least that both are now fighting at lightweight, where No 4-ranked McGregor claimed the undisputed belt in 2016, and No 2 Poirier the interim... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116511/ufc-dustin-poirier-must-convince-himself-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116511/ufc-dustin-poirier-must-convince-himself-he?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Jan 2021 09:21:02 +0000 Nobody had a better start to 2020 than Conor McGregor. “Notorious” put on a clinic at UFC 246 in January against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. It took the Irish superstar all of 40 seconds to demolish his opponent. McGregor, who busted out his trademark “Billionaire Strut”, was back with a vengeance and ready to take the MMA world by storm once again in 2020. The potential fights were being thrown out a mile a minute, and it looked like 2020 could be a banner year for the UFC and the UFC’s marquee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116118/ufc-conor-mcgregor-faces-make-or-break-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3116118/ufc-conor-mcgregor-faces-make-or-break-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Jan 2021 12:00:20 +0000 Colby Covington has reopened his war of words with former training partner Dustin Poirier, taunting “The Diamond” ahead of next month’s UFC 257 main event against Conor McGregor. Poirier (26-6) rematches former two-weight champ McGregor (22-4) on Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, but this time at lightweight after a first-round TKO defeat by the Irishman at featherweight in 2013. “All I gotta say guys is make sure you guys got the Kleenex ready at the press conference,” Covington said on Submission... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115672/ufc-colby-covington-thinks-conor-mcgregor-kos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115672/ufc-colby-covington-thinks-conor-mcgregor-kos?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Dec 2020 07:21:26 +0000 John Kavanagh is clearly in the camp of those who think Conor McGregor’s UFC 257 main event against Dustin Poirier should be for the lightweight title. Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) has not officially vacated his 155-pound belt, despite announcing his retirement in the Octagon after submitting Justin Gaethje (22-3) in the second round of the UFC 254 main event on Fight Island. UFC president Dana White is hoping to convince the Dagestan native to come back and fulfil his late father Abdulmanap... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115666/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedovs-manager-hits-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3115666/ufc-khabib-nurmagomedovs-manager-hits-back?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Dec 2020 06:52:41 +0000 The tributes to retiring UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov came flooding in after his masterful second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje – including from heated rival Conor McGregor. Nurmagomedov (29-0) made a shock announcement in the Octagon after Saturday night’s victory on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi that he was walking away from MMA. “I want to say it was my last fight, and no way I’m gonna come here without my father,” said the 32-year-old. His father and coach... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106979/ufc-254-conor-mcgregor-congratulates-retiring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3106979/ufc-254-conor-mcgregor-congratulates-retiring?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Oct 2020 01:22:43 +0000 Conor McGregor is preparing to fight Dustin Poirier at welterweight, according to his coach, but UFC president Dana White has ruled out the possibility of the bout heading to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Former UFC featherweight and lightweight champ McGregor (22-4) and Poirier (26-6) have publicly agreed to fight on January 23 but the UFC has yet to make an official announcement. “Watching @TheNotoriousMMA do MMA rounds lately has been a real joy and education,” John Kavanagh tweeted.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105929/ufc-conor-mcgregor-set-fight-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105929/ufc-conor-mcgregor-set-fight-dustin-poirier?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Oct 2020 05:01:53 +0000 UFC fan favourite Nate Diaz appears to be nearing a long-awaited comeback after calling out Dan Hooker for a fight. The 35-year-old American (20-12), who has not fought since losing to Jorge Masvidal for the “BMF” title at UFC 244 in November 2019, posted a caption-less video highlight on social media of New Zealander Hooker’s (20-9) first-round TKO win over No 1 welterweight contender Gilbert Burns more than two years ago. “The Hangman” Hooker’s teammate, the UFC middleweight champ Israel... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105487/ufc-nate-diaz-calls-dan-hooker-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3105487/ufc-nate-diaz-calls-dan-hooker-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Oct 2020 08:09:32 +0000 After seeing a potential UFC 254 showdown with fellow former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier fall apart, Tony Ferguson has threatened to move up a division to 170 pounds. “El Cucuy” (26-4) has not fought since a fifth-round TKO by Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May. Gaethje will fight 150-pound champ Khabib Nurmagomedov in the Fight Island main event on October 25. But Ferguson is growing frustrated with the organisation after claiming they lowballed him for the fight with Poirier (26-6),... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3104681/ufc-tony-ferguson-threatens-move-welterweight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3104681/ufc-tony-ferguson-threatens-move-welterweight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Oct 2020 07:15:30 +0000 The question isn’t who Conor McGregor has been linked to fight in 2020, it is now more a matter of who he hasn’t been linked to yet. The “Notorious” McGregor is fresh off another spat with UFC president Dana White, who said he broke the “man code” by sharing a bunch of private messages between himself and the boss from earlier this year on Instagram. No matter, that was last week, which in MMA news and gossip time, is years ago. McGregor is back on Twitter, asking fellow lightweight Dustin... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103504/conor-mcgregor-turnstile-continues-dustin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3103504/conor-mcgregor-turnstile-continues-dustin?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2020 04:00:06 +0000 Tony Ferguson is as hell-bent as ever on fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov, just there will be “no animosity” if the UFC tries to make the dream match-up for a sixth time. The coronavirus pandemic, and then Justin Gaethje, derailed the latest attempts to book the fight, with “The Highlight” winning a rescheduled UFC 249 main event against Ferguson by fifth-round TKO to claim the interim lightweight title. Gaethje and lightweight champ Nurmagomedov will fight to unify the belts at UFC 254 in October,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3095306/tony-ferguson-says-no-animosity-any-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3095306/tony-ferguson-says-no-animosity-any-more?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:18:49 +0000 Dustin Poirier knows he’s on the “back nine” of his career and he’s pretty clear about what he wants in his twilight years in the sport. It’s going to be title fights or big names only for “The Diamond” from here on out. The former interim lightweight champ (26-6, one no contest) returned from hip surgery and a nine-month lay-off to edge Dan Hooker (20-9) in a five-round war that became an instant classic last month. “I don’t know, I’m not sure what the options will be when the UFC comes back... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094369/dustin-poirier-only-taking-big-names-or-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3094369/dustin-poirier-only-taking-big-names-or-title?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jul 2020 07:13:58 +0000 Jorge Masvidal may have taken Sunday’s UFC 251 main event against Kamaru Usman on six days’ notice, but “Gamebred” may be more prepared than he’s letting on. “You know, it’s short notice because he didn’t have the contract signed, but let me tell you what, this guy was there my whole training camp, was my main sparring partner – we probably put in five weeks of sparring together,” Dustin Poirier told The Fight with Teddy Atlas. Masvidal’s American Top Team teammate Poirier, who beat Dan Hooker... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092272/ufc-dustin-poirier-says-jorge-masvidal-isnt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3092272/ufc-dustin-poirier-says-jorge-masvidal-isnt?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2020 04:23:47 +0000 Dustin Poirier says Justin Gaethje has the tools to beat UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of their heavily rumoured bout later in the year. Former interim champion Poirier (26-6, one no contest), who beat Dan Hooker via unanimous decision last week, has faced both fighters in the past. In 2018, the 31-year-old handed American counterpart Gaethje (22-2) his second pro-career loss via fourth-round TKO before losing a title fight against Russian Khabib (28-0) via third-round... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091892/ufc-dustin-poirier-lays-out-how-former-foe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091892/ufc-dustin-poirier-lays-out-how-former-foe?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jul 2020 12:00:17 +0000 Colby Covington has once again blasted former teammate Dustin Poirier despite beating New Zealand’s Dan Hooker in a fight-of-the-year contender at UFC Vegas 4 last week. Former interim welterweight champion “Chaos” Covington (15-2) had previously apologised for breaking a “deal to keep it civil” with “The Diamond” Poirier (26-6, one no contest) and others from Dan Lambert’s American Top Team. Lightweight Poirier then dared Covington, who has since left the team, to return to the gym last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091876/ufc-colby-covington-says-former-teammate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091876/ufc-colby-covington-says-former-teammate?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jul 2020 08:18:09 +0000 Tony Ferguson finally broke his silence following his UFC interim lightweight title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in May – “El Cucuy” wants to “run it back”. Ferguson (25-4), who was originally scheduled for a title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov weeks earlier, was on a 12-fight win streak before losing to Gaethje via fifth-round TKO. The Mexican-American replied to “The Highlight” Gaethje (22-2) tweet congratulating division contenders Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker for fight-of-the-year... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091746/ufc-tony-ferguson-wants-run-it-back-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091746/ufc-tony-ferguson-wants-run-it-back-against?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jul 2020 13:00:18 +0000 Dustin Poirier says his loss to Conor McGregor six years ago was the start of his “evolution” to becoming comfortable in his own skin. The 31-year-old American (26-6, one no contest), who beat Dan Hooker via unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 4 last week, lost to Irish MMA star McGregor (22-4) via a first-round TKO in 2014. “It definitely happened after the Conor McGregor loss, that was the start of it,” Poirier told ESPN. “It’s been a long process – being a father, and losing again, and winning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091743/ufc-dustin-poirier-says-conor-mcgregor-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091743/ufc-dustin-poirier-says-conor-mcgregor-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jul 2020 11:00:07 +0000 Daniel Cormier thinks his friend Dustin Poirier should avoid fighting Tony Ferguson and instead rematch Conor McGregor. Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Cormier (22-2, one no contest) also called fellow Lafayette, Louisiana-born Poirier the “second best lightweight in the division” after he beat Dan Hooker via unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 4 last Saturday. “The Diamond” Poirier (26-6, one no contest) had jokingly told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani to “let me rest” after the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091237/ufc-dustin-poirier-should-avoid-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091237/ufc-dustin-poirier-should-avoid-tony-ferguson?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:00:19 +0000 Dustin Poirier’s fight of the year contender win over Dan Hooker at UFC Vegas 4 last weekend clearly left a mark in the MMA world after a clip of the American lightweight’s refreshing interaction with his cornerman went viral on social media. “The Diamond” Poirier (26-6) captured his first win since losing to champion Khabib Nurmagomedov via third-round rear-naked choke in September 2019. “We having fun?” coach Dyah Davis asked the 31-year-old in between the third and fourth rounds of the even... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091062/ufc-maniac-dustin-poiriers-corner-footage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3091062/ufc-maniac-dustin-poiriers-corner-footage?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:00:27 +0000 Fans hoping to hear more from Dustin Poirier after his huge win over Dan Hooker at UFC on ESPN 12 were left hanging, but for good reason – “The Diamond” was taken to hospital shortly after the brutal five-round fight on Saturday night in Las Vegas. “That was a fun one,” Poirier said, as he applied an ice pack to his badly bruised left eye, under which he was also sporting a nasty cut. There were a combined 308 strikes landed – the third most in a five-round UFC lightweight fight. “Going to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090899/ufc-dustin-poirier-heads-hospital-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090899/ufc-dustin-poirier-heads-hospital-after?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jun 2020 05:51:00 +0000 Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier proved he still belongs at the top with a unanimous decision win in an epic main event at UFC Vegas 4. There were questions surrounding “The Diamond”, who was coming back from hip surgery after his emotional defeat by Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 244 last September. But the 31-year-old showed class is permanent as he emerged as a bona fide lightweight contender, with judges’ scores of 48-47, 48-47 and 48-46 after five violent, back-and-forth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090897/ufc-dustin-poirier-edges-dan-hooker-violent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090897/ufc-dustin-poirier-edges-dan-hooker-violent?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jun 2020 04:11:59 +0000 Dustin Poirier has a reputation for giving back. “The Diamond” helped make positive headlines last September when Khabib Nurmagomedov raised US$100,000 for Poirier’s Good Fight Foundation, after auctioning off his UFC 242 opponent’s T-shirt. UFC president Dana White matched the sum, with the outlay helping the foundation join forces with the non-profit Fight for the Forgotten to help build water wells for the Batwa pygmy children of Uganda. The former interim lightweight champion’s foundation... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090681/dustin-poirier-picking-tab-ufc-watchers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090681/dustin-poirier-picking-tab-ufc-watchers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jun 2020 06:00:09 +0000 If anybody is well placed to weigh in on the upcoming UFC lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje, it’s Dustin Poirier. “The Diamond” faces Dan Hooker at UFC Vegas 4 this weekend, as he looks to bounce back from that third-round submission defeat by Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi last September, which saw him relinquish his interim title to the champ. With “The Eagle” stranded in Russia because of the coronavirus, a new interim champ was crowned at UFC 249 last month... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090676/ufc-dustin-poirier-gives-prediction-khabib-vs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3090676/ufc-dustin-poirier-gives-prediction-khabib-vs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jun 2020 03:59:52 +0000 While UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones have been spotted in the streets showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement amidst ongoing fury at the death of George Floyd in May, other fighters within the MMA realm have also shared their thoughts on social media. Former double champion, Daniel “DC” Cormier, told everybody to “wake up” after the killing of unarmed black man Floyd by now-convicted police officer Derek Chauvin in Minnesota in May. “As we pray for George Floyd and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087143/mma-community-reacts-george-floyds-death-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3087143/mma-community-reacts-george-floyds-death-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:05:45 +0000 Colby Covington has confirmed his departure from American Top Team after he was removed from the Coconut Creek, Florida gym’s welterweight roster on its website. The former UFC interim welterweight champ has been publicly trash talking several ATT teammates over the past nine months, including Jorge Masvidal, Dustin Poirier and Joanna Jedrzejczyk. ATT founder Dan Lambert called for a truce in February – something which Covington almost immediately broke. “I felt bad because of Dan in that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086447/ufc-colby-covington-says-american-top-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086447/ufc-colby-covington-says-american-top-team?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 May 2020 04:02:02 +0000