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The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) held its first pay-per-view (PPV) offer of 2021 with UFC 257 taking place inside Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” yesterday (Saturday January 23) in Abu Dhabi. In the main event of the evening, Dustin Poirier knocked out Conor McGregor by stopping him via strikes in the second round (see him again here). In the act of co-headlining, Michael Chandler made an explosive debut in the UFC by taking out Dan Hooker in the very first round (recap here).
Biggest winner: Dustin Poirier
Poirier secured a much-desired rematch against McGregor by stopping him with strikes in the second round in a very impressive performance. In doing so, Poirier tied the series to one lump, meaning he’s probably prepared for another big payday if a trilogy fight comes up. For now, “The Diamond” has put themselves in an excellent position to fight for what can only be assumed to be the soon-to-be-released lightweight bracelet as Khabib Nurmagomedov does not appear to be intending to fight. so soon, if ever. This is without a doubt Poirier’s biggest win, which can only be surpassed if he claims the official 155-pound bracelet on his next outing.
Finalist: Michael Chandler
Chandler silenced all the naysayers and critics who said he didn’t have what it takes to hang on to the big boys in the UFC by absolutely wiping out Dan Hooker in the very first round, putting the whole Lightweight division on guard. The former 155-pound Bellator MMA champion took his time from the start, waiting for the right opportunity to unload his power. And he did just that halfway through the opening frame, scoring “The Hanged Man” with a devious left hook that knocked him down. From there, the wrestling powerhouse lunged at Hooker and unleashed a series of strikes that forced the stop. By taking out Hooker this way, Chandler did something that Al Iaquinta, Poirier, and Felder couldn’t. He also returned home with an additional $ 50,000 in his pockets. A great start all around.
Biggest loser: Conor McGregor
McGregor’s eagerly awaited return did not go as he would have hoped, losing to Poirier by technical knockout (TKO). While “Notorious” looked good at first, Poirier made the adjustments and the calf kicks were just too much for “Notorious”, who eventually ended up receiving the devastating strikes from “The Diamond. “. The loss is McGregor’s second in the last two outings, with his only win in that span over Donald Cerrone at welterweight. Is “Notorious” over? Highly improbable. He will have to go back to the drawing board, however, and figure out what his next move will be. Fortunately for the fiery Irishman, he has several options as the biggest star of the promotion. Still, the loss – which is the first KO / TKO of his career – will be hard for him to swallow and it’s impossible to say where his mind will be in the weeks to come.
For full UFC 257 results and coverage, click here.
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