After Conor McGregor Was Knocked Out by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, What’s Next for the Irishman?
- Conor McGregor suffered a knockout loss to Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 257
- McGregor has said he wants to be active, so what is next for him?
- See the odds for McGregor’s next opponent, below
Conor McGregor made his long-awaited and highly-anticipated return to the Octagon in the main event of UFC 257 on Saturday night against Dustin Poirier.
McGregor was a sizeable favorite entering the fight but suffered a knockout loss to Dustin Poirier. McGregor started out solid landing solid shots but it was Poirier who chopped down his legs and knocked the Irishman out cold in the second round. Now, after the loss, sportsbooks have released odds on who McGregor will fight next time he fights.
Odds on Who Conor McGregor Fights Next in 2021
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Nate Diaz | +200 |
| Dustin Poirier | +300 |
| Justin Gaethje | +400 |
| Tony Ferguson | +600 |
| Jorge Masvidal | +800 |
| Michael Chandler | +1000 |
| Charles Oliveira | +1200 |
| Manny Pacquiao | +2000 |
Odds as of Jan. 24
Will Conor McGregor Make a Quick Turnaround?
Conor McGregor promised a knockout in under 60 seconds, but it did not go his way. Instead, it was Poirier scoring a second-round knockout win over the Irishman. It was a very impressive from Poirier who exacted his revenge and became the first person to finish McGregor via strikes in his career.
CONOR MCGREGOR. LOCKED IN. #UFC257
(via @danawhite) @espnmma pic.twitter.com/2oloy7JKEm
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 24, 2021
In the lead-up to the fight, the Irishman made it clear he wants to be active and said he wants seven fights in the next 18 months. Although that seems unrealistic, I do think the Irishman fights again soon and likely will fight at least once, if not twice more in 2021.
Will He Get the Rematch With Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Conor McGregor will not get the rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov because the Dagestani native is retired.
The UFC’s lightweight champion confirmed his retirement to Russian media this week and said he is happy in retirement. Although I do think Nurmagomedov will return eventually for 30-0, it will not be this year, and it won’t be McGregor’s next fight.
Who’s the Most Likely Opponent?
After Conor McGregor was upset by Dustin Poirier by knockout, his next opponent will be running it right back with Poirier.
"I'm gutted." Conor McGregor reacts after his #UFC257 loss. pic.twitter.com/CJN7a2FuZg
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
Poirier and McGregor are now 1-1 against one each other, and we have seen when the Irishman loses, he immediately wants the rematch, as evidence by the Nate Diaz fights. Now that The Diamond has the win over McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov is indeed retired, perhaps the trilogy will not only happen but be for the vacant lightweight title.
We're not in 2014 anymore… #UFC257 pic.twitter.com/aywi4O9gsj
— UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021
Not only does the trilogy make sense given they are 1-1. But, now that Poirier has won, the trilogy will do big pay-per-view numbers for the UFC given both men have knockout wins. The storyline is there, and the Irishman even hinted at running back for the trilogy.
Pick: Dustin Poirier (+300)
Cole graduated from Sheridan College in April of 2019 with a diploma in journalism. He now is a full-time freelance writer, focusing on MMA for sites like BJPENN, while also covering the Toronto Blue Jays as a credentialed media member. At SBD, Cole covers the four major sports and MMA.
