C. McGregor: “My leg was completely dead. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. “

Early this Sunday morning, the first battle took place on the “battle island” in Abu Dhabi in Lithuanian time. UFC 257 Pay-Per-View Tournament Featuring Former American Lightweight Champion Dustinas Poirier (27-6, 1 no winner) in the second round he eliminated the former Irish champion from two different weight classes, who returned to the cage after a year off Conorą McGregorą (22-5) and responded to him for 2014. He suffered the loss at lightweight.

McGregor, who fought for the first time since January last year, looked dangerous in a standing position, but couldn’t stop the blows to Poirier’s legs, which ultimately had a big impact late in the fight. Poirier bided his time until finally in the second round, after another kick to the leg, he struck with his left hand, caught C. McGregor on the edge of the cage and added at least another ten punches with both hands until the Irishman finally fell to the ground and the fight ended.

“It’s hard to accept that, my leg is completely dead. Although it seemed like he was just checking his punches, he was seriously hurt. It feels like I have football in my suit. It is like. Dustin fought very well and had a very solid defense. I felt good in the second round, I think I was better in the clinic, but there were problems with my leg and I couldn’t adapt. An honest game from Dustin, I’m happy about that. I’m glad I was able to compete in the Main Event of the 11th UFC Tournament during such difficult times and I’m not looking for excuses, Dustin put on a phenomenal show. It’s a very bitter pill to swallow, “McGregor said.” I’ll take a different approach in the third fight with Dustin, because those punches to the leg caused a lot of problems. I have never experienced such low blows to the calf. I certainly have more weapons, but I didn’t show them today. It is like. There was no hit mark left on my face, I just didn’t have a leg anymore. I felt stronger, but next time, before Poirier, you might see my other side, maybe struggling. I just have to keep doing this, be disciplined, and make the right decisions. It just comes from spending time in a cage. You can have a million rounds out of the cage, but you can’t survive without time in the cage. The last time we managed to escape, but not tonight. “

After the tournament, his former rival, UFC lightweight champion Chabib Nurmagomedov, also expressed his views on McGregor, who said “this happens when you change teams, leaving the sparring team that made you champion and training with kids. little ones”.

C. McGregor himself was also asked about this, who denied what Nurmagomedov said.

“I have been with my team from day one and I have not changed it. It is like. Respecting athletes is his character, hidden behind a mask. Will he return or not? Each fight is different, they face different styles. If he wants to comment disrespectfully, let him come back and let’s fight. If you come back, come back “.

UFC president Dana White voiced her doubts about McGregor’s future at a press conference, saying she has two paths: end her career or be even hungrier. C. McGregor emphasized that he plans to return and regain his glory.

“I will regroup. We are 1-1 with Dustin, we are 1-1 with Nate Diaz, stylistically I have a lot of good fights. I want to go back and put the Irish flag on a new belt. Anyone can pass in this sport. Participate: you get your prize. I will definitely focus my gaze on that belt, “McGregor said.

McGregor said he didn’t care if his other fights would take place with or without spectators: “It doesn’t matter when you’re in a cage, you’re in a cage, I just need more time in it.”

“Great job.”

Even behind closed doors, the respect remains.

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– UFC (@ufc) January 24, 2021

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