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#4 Dustin Poirier doesn't have much to prove against Conor McGregor
When Dustin Poirier lost to Conor McGregor at UFC 178 in September 2014 at featherweight, he was a UFC newbie trying to make a name for himself in the promotion. 'The Diamond' has since moved up to lightweight, realizing just how compromised he was at 145 lbs, and has become one of the best in the division.
In fact, Poirier is easily one of the best lightweights in MMA history. Now, after becoming the first man to knock McGregor out at UFC 257 and following it up with a first-round mauling of the Irishman that two judges scored a 10-8, does Poirier have anything to prove?
It would be foolish to say that McGregor couldn't have made a comeback in the trilogy, but Poirier was firmly in control. And the American is the one who usually gets more dangerous as the fight wears on, while 'The Notorious' is known for gassing rather early.
Poirier might want to stand up against all the insults he has been on the receiving end of, but is there any doubt as to who the better fighter is right now?
#3 Conor McGregor might need a step down in competition
After losing two fights in a row for the first time in his professional MMA career, Conor McGregor might need a step down in competition. He has only one win at lightweight, which came against Eddie Alvarez back in November 2016.
It might be wise for McGregor to seek out a tune-up fight after he heals from his broken leg, like he did with Donald Cerrone once he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov. With his star power and pull, it wouldn't be hard for him to sell out a stadium on any PPV card, irrespective of who he's pitted against.
McGregor is a top fighter, but will he be the same after the injury? We've seen serious injuries like his destroy the careers of many fighters, with the most notable example being Anderson Silva following his devastating second loss to Chris Weidman.
McGregor probably shouldn't engage with a fighter firmly in his prime like Poirier on his UFC return.
