UFC 257: Conor McGregor says ‘don’t write me off yet’ after Dustin Poirier defeat – ‘maybe I’ll switch up my game’

Irishman hints at trilogy bout with Poirier following shock second-round TKO on Sunday in Abu Dhabi

‘Maybe you’ll see a grappling side of me next time me and Dustin go ahead,’ says McGregor – ‘I’ll adopt a different approach’

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Dustin Poirier punches Conor McGregor in their lightweight fight during UFC 257. Photos: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Published: 12:04am, 25 Jan 2021Updated: 12:04am, 25 Jan 2021

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 Nurmagomedov hinting he will stick to his decision to retire after McGregor’s defeat.

The vacant belt could well be up for grabs between the American and his compatriot Michael Chandler, after the former Bellator champ’s stunning UFC debut – a first-round TKO win over No 6-ranked Dan Hooker – in the co-main event on Fight Island.

“I did [see it], yeah, it was a beautiful knockdown,” McGregor said of Chandler’s win. “Fair play to him, he came in now and it was a good fight.”

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