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#4. With Dustin Poirier at UFC 257
Unlike UFC 264, where fans got to see the bad blood between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, things were quite different in their previous encounter at UFC 257. The build-up to fights is usually colored with trash talk and mind games. However, at UFC 257, there was nothing but respect between the two.
Conor McGregor was full of praise for Dustin at the pre-fight press conference. Answering a question from the audience on his motivation to train hard for the contest, McGregor said:
"My love for the game, my love for competition, my love for combat, and, you know, Dustin has put on an incredible run since our last fight. It’s been a long time coming. Yes, I did get one over him the first time, but you know, he’s rose right up and he’s back up there at the top of the division. So I’m excited to go on and compete with him again."
Watch the pre-UFC 257 press conference below:
At the weigh-in ahead of UFC 257, Conor McGregor did something unlikely. Not only was he friendly, but he also posed with 'The Diamond'. Dustin Poirier, on his part, handed McGregor a bottle of his Poirier's Louisiana Style hot sauce. It was a rare occasion of a respectful rivalry between two fighters.
Conor McGregor suffered the first TKO loss of his career against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257.
#3. With Donald Cerrone at UFC 246
Conor McGregor faced Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 on 18 January 2020 at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada. McGregor was in a wholly different mood at the pre-fight press conference, contrary to his reputation as a trash talker.
He kicked off the presser in a light-hearted manner, praising Cerrone's outfit.
"That's one hell of a coat Donald, I've got to give credit where credit is due! I don't know whether you've outdone me here, I've got lining on the inside of my baby here but that's a damn good coat brother. Is it crocodile?"
Watch the video below:
Things had got toxic in his previous octagon outing - against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. McGregor had issued several derogatory remarks about the Dagestani, especially targeting his religion, family and beliefs.
However, he was a changed man at the UFC 246 press conference. He spoke highly of Donald Cerrone, who he said was "hard not to respect."
Although Conor promised a stiff contest with Donald, he assured there wasn't any bad blood between them.
"There will be blood spilled on Saturday, but it won't be bad blood."
The Irishman's words rang true; blood was spilled in their fight. Conor McGregor broke Donald Cerrone's nose early in the first round, courtesy of some unorthodox shoulder strikes. The Irishman then secured the win with a head kick followed by ground and pound.
Watch the full fight below:
