Stars aligning for a Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier 4

The potential fourth showdown between "The Notorious" Conor McGregor and Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier could happen if somethings go to plan.

Stars aligning for a Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier 4

Stars align for Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier IV (Image via: IMAGO)

The UFC has two PPVs in June of 2023. In the first weekend, the UFC will go to Newark, New Jersey, where Islam Makhachev will put the undisputed lightweight title on the line against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. In the last week of June, Conor McGregor will mark his return after three years against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, coinciding with the 2024 International Fight Week.

McGregor has fought Poirier more times than any other and vice versa. Even though McGregor trails 1-2, their latest outing ended due to a doctor stoppage after the Irishman broke the tibia of his left leg. A fourth fight is always on the cards, particularly as both expressed no qualms about doing it a fourth time. If both are victorious in June, the chances are more than 100% that they will fight for a fourth time.

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During McGregor’s peak years in the UFC, 2015 and 2016, the Irishman has fought thrice each. He went 5-1 in that time with victories over Dennis Siver, Chad Mendes, Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz, and Eddie Alvarez, with the loss coming against Diaz. McGregor headlined the International Fight Week PPV in both years. Moreover, he fought once more later in those years.

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Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of combat sports and the UFC has gone to the venue every November since the sport entered the state. As such, the venue would be perfect to host the fourth fight between McGregor and Poirier. McGregor headlined UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden, and the event still holds the record for the highest live gate. If McGregor vs. Poirier IV happens, it will likely break the record.

How can Conor McGregor defeat Michael Chandler at UFC 303?

Conor McGregor has opened as a slight betting favorite for his fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303. However, the odds do not tell the full story. McGregor last fought in July of 2021 and has remained the subject of many rumors and speculations. On the other hand, Chandler has also not fought for a long time. His last fight was in November of 2022.

Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 303
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 303 (Image via: IMAGO)

Incidentally, both fighters lost their last fight in the UFC to the same opponent – Dustin Poirier. Chandler lost the fight via rear naked choke in the third round, while McGregor broke his leg by the end of the first round and lost via doctor stoppage. Interestingly, both had moments against Poirier in the fight. Chandler even used his wrestling, a surprise, in the second round.

Nevertheless, Chandler has never followed a good game plan as he played into the crowd. Wrestling is his best weapon, but he abandoned it for reckless striking, which made him susceptible to the counterattacks of Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Poirier.

McGregor is one of the best strikers in the UFC with a counter-attacking style. Therefore, a reckless approach would likely get Chandler knocked out. John Kavanagh, McGregor’s coach, has already predicted the fight to go the same as the Chad Mendes fight.

How Dustin Poirier beats Islam Makhachev at UFC 302?

Dustin Poirier has the MMA gods to thank as he got a title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 303. The unavailability and losses to higher-ranked fighters provided a pathway for Poirier to the title. Nonetheless, he opened as a sizeable underdog against Makhachev, the pound-for-pound best.

Poirier lost his previous two attempts to become undisputed champion against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. The matchup against Nurmagomedov was stylistically against him, but he had a better chance against Oliveira. Poirier has everything stacked against him against Makhachev. Nonetheless, a potential fourth fight against Conor McGregor, which would be a huge payday, could provide him with motivation.

Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev at UFC 302
Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 (Image via: IMAGO)

Nurmagomedov’s granite chin and pressure wilted Poirier while Oliveira used his offensive BJJ to submit the Diamond. Against Makhachev, Poirier will face a defensively sound technical grappler, which is a mix of the positives of Oliveira and Nurmagomedov without the negatives. Nevertheless, Poirier is arguably the best boxer in the UFC. He has hurt Oliveira and Nurmagomedov with his boxing. However, to do that, he has to negate the grappling and wrestling prowess of the Russian fighter.

Nonetheless, Makhachev does not have the durability of his mentor or the lightweight Oliveira. In fact, the lightweight champion has a knockout loss on his record. Therefore, there is a chance that Poirier could win the undisputed lightweight title from Makhachev. All he has to do is use his slightly longer reach to find an opening and knock out the champion. Poirier is a right-handed fighter who fights Southpaw, while Makhachev is a left-handed Southpaw. Therefore, the right hook from Poirier should be what he should bank on.

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