McGregor's recent victim gives advice to Mendes: 'Don't fight the person'

Poirier (left) faced McGregor (right) in September last year. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

Dustin poirier, which was defeated by Conor McGregor in September last year, he advised Chad Mendes not to see the fight against the Irishman, this Saturday (11), as a personal issue.

Poirier faced McGregor at UFC 178, in a fight full of rivalry and provocations on both sides. Inside the octagon, however, the “Notório” won quickly, obtaining a technical knockout in just under two minutes.

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The American acknowledged that one of his mistakes on that occasion was paying too much attention to McGregor's personality, leaving his abilities as a fighter in the background. “When we fought, during the preparation for the fight, I thought he wasn't getting into my head. But maybe he got in. Looking back now, I wanted to hurt him and I was angry all the time. I don't know Chad personally, but maybe he's thinking the same thing I thought. 'Ah, this guy isn't getting into my head. I'm ready to rock,' but he may feel differently in the future. Let’s see”, commented Poirier, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”.

So, Poirier gave Mendes some advice for the fight. “Don’t fight the person. I'm a guy who thinks a lot and I've replayed that fight over and over in my head. Several times I found myself angry with him, but I wasn't fighting against who he was, but against his style, against the things he does in the octagon. You don't fight the talk or that whole thing. It would be different if we fought again,” he added.

Even so, Poirier considers that Mendes is the favorite to win the fight. “I think Chad will win the decision. Conor has great reflexes, reactions and timing, but it opens up a lot of loopholes. Mendes has a good right hand and if I can touch him, if [Dennis] Siver can touch him, Mendes can too. He will close the distance, press, hit your right hand and put you on your back on the ground. You can’t know how difficult it is to face a wrestler at that level, and I don’t think Conor knows,” he concluded.

the fight between Conor McGregor e Chad Mendes will be the main attraction of UFC 189, in the city of Las Vegas (USA). The fight will put the interim belt in the featherweight division at stake, as José Aldo, the linear champion, was unable to participate in the event due to injury.

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