Dustin Poirier believes that Conor McGregor sees him as a warm-up to face Manny Pacquiao in boxing

D. Poirier thinks C. McGregor sees it as a warm-up. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Dustin poirier uncovered the box of surprises that is Conor McGregor. At the same time as he was retired, the Irish star was negotiating a charity fight against him for December 2020 and also a new adventure in boxing, this time against Manny Pacquiao, for 2021. However, there was a small change in plans. The UFC is interested in holding a rematch between Poirier and McGregor, while the boxing fight remains in development.

In an interview with the North American website THE FIGHT, Poirier thinks that the former UFC featherweight (65,8kg) and lightweight (70,3kg) champion sees him as a test to face the boxing legend and believes that the fact that Khabib Nurmagomedov agreeing that 'The Notorious' needs to beat a great opponent to have a new chance to fight for the belt motivated him to return to combat sports.

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“I think McGregor considers me a warm-up for his fight against Pacquiao. He wants to fight a southpaw before facing another southpaw. Khabib also said that if he beats me, he could fight for the belt. That must have been on McGregor’s mind and it created a perfect storm, which is why he wanted to face me,” said Poirier.

When he fought the Irishman for the first time, in 2014, the former interim lightweight champion admitted that he was irritated by the trash talk made by his rival, but assured that he learned from the mistakes made.

“I will not fight in anger. I will fight calmly, showing my skills. In my last fights, I felt less pressure, I cared less. Before, I cared a lot and that bothered me. Whatever happens, I’ll be fine,” he concluded.

If before the weather Conor McGregor e Dustin poirier It was heavy and culminated in a knockout from the Irishman in the first round. Now, both show a lot of respect for each other and exchange compliments on their social networks.