Conor McGregor v Dustin Poirier 3 Betting Preview

Conor McGregor will face Dustin Poirier in the octagon for the third time on Saturday night, Sunday morning UK time. McGregor won the first bout between these two back in 2014, a comfortable success for the Irishman when he was somewhere near the peak of his career.

However, in the last meeting, Poirier got his revenge, beating McGregor in a bout that was supposed to signal a big return, but ultimately ended in disappointment. Now they meet for a third time at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, to see who comes out on top in this three-bout series.

Conor McGregor v Dustin Poirier

The bookmakers can hardly split these two. McGregor at his peak would have been a very strong favourite to win the fight, but there are plenty of question marks surrounding his fitness and sharpness. That brings these two fighters much closer together.

Dustin Poirier is the very slight favourite, priced up at 4/5 with 888Sport while you can back Conor McGregor to win the fight at 1/1 with bet365. These are both to win the fight by any means, whether it’s an early KO or points decision.

Poirier is 15/8 with Betfred to win by a knockout or disqualification, while McGregor is 6/4 with bet365 to do the same, showing the bookmakers feel this is more likely to happen for McGregor, even though he is not favourite for the fight overall.

If you think the fight will go all the way, Betfred are offering 6/1 that Dustin Poirier will win by decision or technical decision. The same for McGregor is priced up at 17/2 with Betfair Sportsbook.

Our Verdict

This fight is going to come down to one major factor and that is how ready McGregor is for this fight. During their second bout, Dustin Poirier was able to execute his gameplan and take the win, McGregor is at his best when he comes out fast and doesn’t allow his opponents the chance to think, never mind execute a gameplan.

The longer this contest goes, the more it favours Dustin Poirier, while if the bout ends early, that is more likely to result in a win for McGregor. What we do know about the Irishman is that he has a big desire to win and prove he is the best.

The loss in their second encounter may just have been the best thing to happen for him and pushed him forward to put his full focus and attention on this fight. With that in mind, we are tipping Conor McGregor to win this fight, and don’t be surprised to see him win early, with a big flurry of shots in the early stages that can put his opponent on the back foot.

Best Bets

• McGregor to win by knockout or disqualification – 6/4 with bet365
• McGregor to win in round 2 – 13/2 with William Hill

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