Owen Roddy Expects McGregor To Make Short Work Of Poirier Again
Coach Owen Roddy believes Conor McGregor has the upper hand in his rematch with Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 this weekend.
When the two competed for the first time at UFC 178 in 2014, McGregor finished Poirier under two minutes, and the Irishman guarantees he’ll need even less time to get his hand raised this time around.
‘McGregor Will Land’
Although a lot has changed for both fighters since their first bout, Roddy believes McGregor’s power advantage remains the same. Speaking to Submission Radio (as transcribed by MMA Fighting), the SBG trainer weighed in on the UFC 257 main event.
“Yeah, it’s a different fight. You fight somebody twice, it’s a different fight,” Roddy said. “Who knows what’s gonna happen? But the same thing applies, in my opinion. Conor will land. It’s inevitable that he’s gonna land that shot. He’s gonna land on Poirier, and it’s just how long Poirier can take the punishment. He is very durable and he’s tough and he’s good, and he’s got a lot of tricks, and he’s got problems that we’ve addressed in the camp. But when it comes down to it, when Conor lands, it’s gonna be how long can Poirier last.”
McGregor Has Improved More
Poirier has been the more active of the two fighters since their first fight, but Roddy still believes that McGregor has improved the most of the two.
“I think it comes down to strategy and whatever strategy Poirier comes in with,” Roddy added. “So, it’s hard to say. If he comes in looking to exchange, it will be quick, I’d imagine. If he comes in and runs, it might take a little bit longer. Poirier has improved an awful lot. I’m not trying to disrespect Poirier, he’s a phenomenal fighter, but Conor has also improved an awful lot as well, and I think Conor has improved more than Poirier. So, I can only foresee the same kind of outcome.”
Going All Five Rounds
While Roddy believes it’s highly unlikely that the fight goes the distance, he believes that it’ll only get worse for Poirier the longer the fight goes on for.
“I doubt it’s gonna go that far,” Roddy said. “But if it does go to three, four and five, I think it’s gonna be worse for Poirier. I can’t see it going that far, but I think it would be worse for Poirier, if I’m being honest. Because you don’t want Conor hitting you for 25 minutes.
“And he can set the pace, Conor. He’s in phenomenal shape. He’s in the best shape I’ve ever seen in my life. Physically, mentally. So, I think it would be dangerous. I think Poirier would be taking a lot of dangerous blows if he managed to stay in there. But I still don’t see him staying in there.”
Who do you think wins the rematch between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor at UFC 257 this weekend?
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