5 of the most intriguing storylines to watch heading into UFC 264

#2 Dustin Poirier could have made a mistake

UFC 242 Khabib v Poirier

There's no doubt that Dustin Poirier will pursue the UFC lightweight title should he emerge victorious in the main event of UFC 264. He could have fought for it earlier, but, of course, he opted for a more lucrative trilogy bout with Conor McGregor.

If Poirier can shut the door on his rival, then taking a detour on his championship path would be worth his while. Grabbing a few extra million dollars on his way to a collision with Charles Oliveira would be seen as a wise business move on Poirier's part. But if Poirier loses, he might have squandered a golden opportunity.

Let's play this out: McGregor beats Poirier and then loses to Oliveira. In this scenario, the Lafayette native might still get his opportunity down the line after a win or two. But if McGregor wins at UFC 264 and then goes on to recapture the lightweight crown, that's a nightmare situation for 'The Diamond.'

#1 UFC 264 is do-or-die for Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor v Donald Cerrone

It's dumbfounding that Conor McGregor could find himself fighting for the title if he defeats Poirier. Even if he snatches a victory over his rival at UFC 264, his lightweight record would only go up to 2-2. Then again, McGregor is still the UFC's biggest star and cash cow, and that status comes with some exceptional perks.

McGregor is at a crossroads in his career. He can either redeem himself by earning an opportunity to reclaim gold or begin a new phase in his career in which he's more of a special attraction than a top contender.

Of course, McGregor will not disappear from the spotlight all of a sudden if he loses at UFC 264. A third fight with Nate Diaz is a possible option for the Irishman if he falls short on his quest to return to the mountaintop.

Outside of money fights, going against a murderers' row of 155-pounders, or moving up to welterweight are the only other routes 'Notorious' could take. But would that be an enticing career path for McGregor? We'll find out soon.