Conor McGregor KNOCKED OUT by Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 on Fight Island in odds upset to end talk of Khabib rematch

Conor McGregor was sensationally knocked out by Dustin Poirier overnight at UFC 257.

The former two-weight world champion was blasted away by his American opponent in their rematch on Fight Island on his return to UFC after more than a year away.

6

6

Poirier claimed his revenge from their 2014 fight at UFC 178 by attacking McGregor’s lead right leg, before trapping the Irishman on the cage and unloading a barrage of punches.

McGregor hit the canvas soon after as referee Herb Dean jumped in to call a halt to proceedings.

Poirier knew he had McGregor in trouble when a short right uppercut dropped the former two-weight world champion as blood trickled from his nose – before the American moved in to finish the fight.

It is the first time McGregor has ever suffered a TKO/KO defeat in his career and likely puts an end to talk of a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

6

McGregor failed to meet his 60-second knockout prediction, instead finding himself on his backside as Poirier shot in for a takedown.

With his back on the cage, he was forced to deal with ‘The Diamond’ from grinding him on the side – perhaps hoping to deplete his energy tank.

The first round was scrappy until the last 90 seconds, with McGregor narrowly missing out on a huge left hand.

Poirier then landed a big right hand of his own – pointing to McGregor as he did so – before suffering a barrage of punches.

6

6

Both men appeared fatigued at the end of the round, with Poirier’s work on the fence seemingly tiring him out as much as it did to McGregor.

‘The Diamond’ enjoyed success in the striking exchanges and appeared to take confidence from it as he opened up with a series of low leg kicks to McGregor’s right leg.

It was those leg kicks which did the damage, with an immobilised McGregor back on the cage and unable to move out of the way from a flurry of combination punches.

Poirier hurt his opponent with his short, sharp hooks and then dropped a devastating right uppercut on McGregor’s nose to end the fight.

With his eyes reeling in the back of his head, the Irishman was saved by referee Dean who jumped in and called it off.

Speaking after the bout, McGregor admitted his lack of time in the octagon perhaps was to blame, but was gracious enough not to take anything away from his victorious opponent.

6

“You know, it is hard to overcome inactivity over long periods of time,” he said. “That’s just it.

“The leg kicks were good, the calf kick was very good, the leg was dead and then I just wasn’t as comfortable as I needed to be.

“It’s the inactivity and that is, but Dustin is some fighter. If you put in the time in here, you are going to get cosy in here and that’s it.

“I’ll have to dust it off and come back and that is what I will do.”

UFC lightweight champion Khabib is still technically retired, although he admitted he may return if he saw something 'spectacular'.

But UFC president Dana White does not think a comeback is likely.

"He said to me 'Dana be honest with yourself, I'm so many levels above these guys, I'd beat these guys.'

"It doesn't sound very positive so we'll see. I've told you guys before he won't hold the division up."

Despite predicting a second round win for McGregor, the 29-0 fighter will have been as surprised as anyone to watch Poirier leave the Irishman on his back.

Although the chances of a McGregor rematch may now be done for good, UFC debutant Michael Chandler offered to face the Russian next after knocking out Dan Hooker in the co-main event.

The American then proceeded to offer Khabib a fight upon his return - although the chances of him fighting Poirier for the vacant belt just went through the roof.

However, McGregor appears to be looking forward to a 'blockbuster' trilogy.

"Thanks for the support everyone," he tweeted. "Was not my night/morning in there but a great contest to improve on. I’m excited at the blockbuster trilogy I now have on my hands.

"Dustin is a hell of a competitor and I look forward to going again. God bless us all, happy Sunday."