Conor McGregor on Dustin Poirier rematch at UFC 257: ‘I will hit him early and hurt him’
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Conor McGregor has doubled down on his prediction that he will knock out Dustin Poirier within 60 seconds during the pair’s rematch in the main event of UFC 257. I’ll knock Dustin out inside 60 seconds.” McGregor and Poirier faced off at the UFC 257 pre-fight press conference on Yas Island – otherwise known as ‘Fight Island’ – on Thursday, as the largely cordial build-up to their bout continued. “I think I possibly will hit him early and hurt him.” Poirier, meanwhile, says he wants a war in the Etihad Arena in front of 2,000 fans, and McGregor acknowledged his opponent’s plan to drag ‘Notorious’ into deep waters, hitting out at the American’s coaches in the process. Chandler, sat next to McGregor, noted that all four fighters on stage – himself, his opponent, McGregor and Poirier – are all fathers, and said of the Irishman: “One of the baddest men on the planet, now one of the daddest men on the planet.” McGregor took the comment as it was intended – as a compliment – responding: “I appreciate it!” ‘Notorious’ was also asked throughout about a potential rematch against old rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, who last week met with UFC president Dana White to discuss the Russian’s future.