Conor McGregor v Dustin Poirier Betting Preview

Conor McGregor is back in the octagon this weekend, with his first fight for a year when he takes on Dustin Poirier at UFC 257.

We have waited longer than we thought we would to see the Irishman back in the cage after an impressive comeback win against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 last year. However, he stayed on the side lines after that, and is now ready to return to competitive action. Again, the plan is for McGregor to compete throughout the year in 2021, but we will have to wait and see on that one, and probably much of that depends on the result here.

Dustin Poirier found the winning groove again in 2020 and was in a fight that many are describing as one of the fights of 2020. The bout against Dan Hooker was exceptional and was a big reason as to why Poirier now stands with a record of 10-2.

Poirier has been one of the very best for three seasons now, and a win here would only further his growing reputation around the world. Yes, this is a huge night for McGregor as he comes back, but let’s not forget Poirier here, and what he has on the line.

Previous Fight

These two have met before, although it was a long time ago. They met back in 2014, and it is fair to say that neither would have predicted or expected their paths to go where they have between now and then.

The fortunes for both has changed, with Poirier coming here in a much better place than what we saw him in almost seven years ago. While he has been on the rise, McGregor has fought in the octagon just five times since 2016, and every time he comes back, we talk about ring rust. Is this the bout in which that finally catches up with him?

McGregor v Poirier Betting Tips

This is a really intriguing contest and certainly a tough one for Conor McGregor. The fight is likely to be decided by one thing, how ready McGregor really is. While in the past he has come back and looked good, those were mainly fights where he had a big advantage and could afford to not be quite right, if he wasn’t.

This is a different type of battle though, and one where he will need to be on his game. If McGregor isn’t then Poirier is more than good enough to take the win here, and put a dent in the hopes of the Irishman for 2021.

A bet on McGregor is actually a bet on his camp and training abilities, to get him right on the night so that he can take this.

So, what do we think? The betting value here is with the upset, there is no doubt about that. Dustin Poirier is not as good if both men come here 100%, but we don’t think they will, and a 100% Dustin Poirier is more than good enough to beat an 80% Conor McGregor, and maybe even one that is at 90%.

The odds on offer for a Poirier win are too good to refuse.

• Dustin Poirier to beat Conor McGregor – 12/5 with Coral