With his pocket full, Poirier opens up about preferring to face McGregor rather than fight for the belt

C. McGregor (left) was defeated by D. Poirier (right) in the UFC 257. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Just behind Charles of the Bronx in the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg.), Dustin poirier rejected a title fight to complete the million-dollar trilogy against Conor McGregor. The Irishman's opponent on July 10, the North American opened up about the decision to face the 'Notório' to seek the group's linear title. In an interview with 'ESPN', the 'Diamond' spoke openly about the subject.

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“I made this decision (to face McGregor) easily. If I'm the best in the world, I'll beat Conor and fight for the belt. It's like betting on yourself. I’m a gambler and I placed my chips on my skills”, said the North American.

Delving deeper into the subject, Poirier did not hide that the financial issue was decisive in making the decision. According to the athlete, the salary for a fight against the 'Notório' means something more attractive for his personal life.

“If I fought for the belt, I wouldn't receive (part of) the pay-per-view. I wouldn't have received even a third of my base salary. It didn't make sense. I fight for awards. I don't want to criticize the UFC, the numbers, the business. If I'm going to receive five, six, 10 times more facing Conor again, I'm a father, a husband. I have responsibilities”, he concluded.

On the 10th, Poirier will exchange forces with McGregor for the third time in his MMA career. So far, the dispute is tied between the athletes.

The first meeting between the fighters took place in 2014, when they were still playing at featherweight (up to 65,7kg). At the time, better for the Irishman, who won by knockout in the first round. In 2021, in the rematch, already in the under-70,3kg group, Poirier returned the punishment in kind, running over the 'Notório' on the fast track, in the second stage.

Protagonists of UFC 264, the combatants share the octagon not just for a historic tiebreaker. The winner will be able to leave the event with their passport stamped to face Charles of the Bronx for the category title, marking the Brazilian's first challenge after his victory in May.