5 most hard-hitting predictions for the Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier trilogy fight at UFC 264

#4 Dan Hardy - Former UFC commentator and MMA analyst

Dan Hardy (Image Credit: @danhardymma on Instagram)

Former UFC welterweight title challenger and commentator Dan Hardy thinks Conor McGregor needs to bring back some of the weapons he previously discarded from his arsenal. The retired British fighter said-

"If he had beaten Poirier the second time, I'd pick Poirier to win the third time because McGregor wouldn't be as interested. But because he's coming off a loss, I think he's more motivated and he's more likely to win the next one around. I think he took Poirier a little light because he had stopped him so early the first time around.

"I don't think he credited Poirier with his adaptability to be able to find a way to beat McGregor. So he just went back to the, 'I'll just counter punch with my left. I'll come over his jab and catch him with my left.' Because that seems the only and the main gameplan which is what left his lead leg vulnerable.

"Then you go back to the first fight and in the first 30 seconds or so he's doing the long karate stance. He's got a hop-side kick and a spinning kick. I think he goes back to that version. I think we see him lighter on his feet. I think we see him much more of a mixed martial artist instead of a counter-puncher. And I think he's gonna be able to cut the octagon down against Poirier with that hop-side kick, sliding into his left hand. There are a lot of techniques that he just neglected."

Official Pick: Conor McGregor

#3 Colby Covington - UFC welterweight

Colby Covington is not a fan of Conor McGregor or Dustin Poirier. However, the number one-ranked welterweight contender believes that McGregor has lost the fire in his belly due to his luxurious lifestyle. Covington said-

"Everybody's talking about the 'Con man' McGregor. He's washed up, man. Conor's got nothing left in the tank. He doesn't wanna fight anymore. It's just his pride that's bringing him back. He has big pride and big ego and he can't let his pride and ego go.

"I think it'll be the same outcome. 'Con man' McGregor, he washed up. He's cashed out. He made so much money; he's not hungry like he was before, you know. And he's not that broke kid that came up in the streets of Ireland and was fighting for food.

"He's got this luxury life. He's privileged. So, that privilege, it takes a toll on you. His work ethic is gone. It just so happens that Dustin Poirier got lucky timing with that and he got the fight."

Official Pick: Dustin Poirier