Tag: UFC 257

Dustin Poirier to step back until best option emerges after Conor McGregor win

Dustin Poirier to step back until best option emerges after Conor McGregor win

Dustin Poirier to step back until best option emerges after Conor McGregor win

Dustin Poirier reflects on Conor McGregor win, talks next move

Dustin Poirier reflects on Conor McGregor win, talks next move

Dustin Poirier reflects on Conor McGregor win, talks next move

Paradigm Sports boss Audie Attar shuts down ‘shady characters’ over Pacquiao-McGregor talk

The manager of Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor has hit out at “shady characters” for spreading “false rumors” about the Filipino legend.

Anyone ruling out a potential boxing clash between [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] and [autotag]Manny Pacquiao[/autotag] may want to pump the brakes just a little.

In the aftermath of McGregor’s second-round TKO defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, the Irishman admitted that he wasn’t sure how things would pan out for his mooted clash with the Filipino as he told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during the post-fight press conference that the fight was close to being signed.

“I’ll see what happens. I don’t know what will happen,” he said at the time. “That Manny fight was happening. That was as good as done, so I don’t know.”

The following day, news emerged stating that Pacquiao was no longer interested in the McGregor matchup, with the president of Manny Pacquiao promotions Sean Gibbons reportedly telling U.K. newspaper The Sun, “I think the demand for the fight is not there presently.”

But on Saturday night Audie Attar, who manages both Pacquiao and McGregor, posted a statement to his social media making clear that his company, Paradigm Sports, is the only organization actively representing Pacquiao’s interests, and took aim at some of the rumors and statements that have been linked to the Pacquiao camp in recent days.

“The boxing industry has a history of shady characters being involved. These individuals introduce confusion and spread false rumors solely for their own interests. Unfortunately, this only ends up hurting the fighters.

“It has come to our attention that some of these individuals are once again spreading false and inaccurate rumors that are self-serving without the authority of Senator Pacquiao or Paradigm Sports.

“Senator Pacquiao engaged Paradigm Sports as his exclusive representatives last year because he wants to close out the final chapters of his historic boxing career in a meaningful way.

“No one outside of Paradigm Sports is involved in any way with the management of Senator Pacquiao’s boxing career at this time. Anyone falsely representing themselves as Senator Pacquiao’s manager or representative as it relates to his remaining fight career may face legal repercussions.

“Paradigm Sports has a reputation in the combat sports industry for operating with integrity, professionalism, and transparency fighting for our clients, and we look forward to producing an incredible event with Senator Pacquiao in early 2021.

“I am working closely with Senator Pacquiao and his legal team in Manila on plans for his next fight. We will be sharing the details of this event in the coming weeks.”

The statement certainly raises a few questions. Is this simply a case of Attar shutting down previous representatives trying to muddy the waters? Could this mean that the suggestion of waning interest in a Pacquiao-McGregor bout is inaccurate? If so, does this mean we could still see a Pacquiao-McGregor boxing match in 2021, as McGregor suggested in the lead-up to UFC 257?

With fans across boxing and MMA eagerly awaiting news on both Pacquiao’s and McGregor’s respective futures, it would appear that all options remain open and, with Pacquiao not being quoted as saying he’s no longer interested in a bout with the Dubliner, a matchup between the two may still be a possibility.

The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.

UFC 257 ‘Thrill and Agony’: Dustin Poirier’s wife thanks Conor McGregor for donation backstage

A nice moment took place after UFC 257 when Jolie Poirier went into Conor McGregor’s locker room.

Once again, the UFC takes us behind the scenes of its latest pay-per-view – this time at UFC 247 in Houston.

UFC 257 took place last Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

In the UFC 257 “Thrill and Agony” preview, we get an all-access look at the immediate aftermath surrounding [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] and [autotag]Conor McGregor [/autotag] following Poirier’s second-round TKO win.

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Check out the full clip above to see the outpouring of emotions on all sides following the night’s main attraction, including when Poirier’s wife, Jolie, went to McGregor’s locker room to thank him for the $500,000 donation to The Good Fight Foundation.

The video is a preview of “Thrill and Agony.” The full episode is available on UFC Fight Pass for subscribers.

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Dustin Poirier’s UFC 257 fight gear from TKO of Conor McGregor up for auction

As has become his tradition, Dustin Poirier has put his pieces of his fight kit up for auction to help benefit his non-profit, The Good Fight Foundation.

[autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] recently netted the biggest victory of his career, and now there’s an opportunity to purchase his fight-worn gear during his TKO of Conor McGregor at UFC 257.

As has become his tradition in recent years, Poirier (27-6 MMA, 19-5 UFC) has put his pieces of his fight kit up for auction to help benefit his non-profit, The Good Fight Foundation.

The items this time are particularly special, given the gravity of his victory. A lucky bidder will be able to purchase what Poirier wore in the octagon for a career-defining second-round TKO of McGregor on Jan. 23.

The collection of items includes his fight trunks, hand wraps, gloves, walkout shirt, hat, and fight night credential. Bidding has opened at $15,000 and closes on Feb. 5.

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Proceeds from the auction will go toward Poirier’s charity goal set prior to UFC 257. The Good Fight Foundation is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana to “help bridge the gap in academic success by providing transportation and tutoring” in what is called “Project Learn.”

In addition to the fight kit action, Poirier’s UFC 257 fight netted a sizable $500,000 donation from McGregor to his charity. MMA Junkie confirmed with both sides on the eve of the event that the transaction was in the process of being made.

Poirier told MMA Junkie in November that he intends on using that money from McGregor to help build an MMA gym for struggling youth with membership fees covered in exchange for good conduct and dedication to school work.

One of Poirier’s primary sponsors, Robert Graham, is also donating to Poirier’s mission, MMA Junkie has learned. A special clothing collection has been created specifically for the former interim champion, with a portion of proceeds going to The Good Fight Foundation.

Poirier’s efforts have not gone unnoticed in the MMA community. Prior to his most recent win over Dan Hooker at UFC on ESPN 12 in June, Poirier was honored with the inaugural “Forrest Griffin Community Award” to acknowledge his work.

More information on Poirier’s past and future charitable acts can be found at TheGoodFightGroup.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3_7p4aIXlA

Dustin Poirier discusses motivation for The Good Fight Foundation

Following his TKO of Conor McGregor at UFC 257, Dustin Poirier explained why being charitable is so important to him as he works on The Good Fight Foundation.

Following his TKO of Conor McGregor at UFC 257, Dustin Poirier explained why being charitable is so important to him as he works on The Good Fight Foundation.

Justin Gaethje loved seeing ‘piece of (expletive)’ Conor McGregor getting put down by Dustin Poirier

Justin Gaethje respects Conor McGregor’s skills, but admits he reveled in his defeat to Dustin Poirier.

[autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag] says he respects [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag]’s skills but admits he reveled in his defeat to Dustin Poirier.

McGregor (22-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC) suffered a second-round TKO loss to Poirier in the UFC 257 main event, putting an interesting twist to the promotion’s lightweight title picture.

Gaethje (22-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC), who’s campaigned to face McGregor in the past, couldn’t help but enjoy seeing McGregor go down, and he didn’t hold back on his feelings towards “The Notorious” when addressing the outcome and McGregor’s subsequent call for an immediate trilogy fight with Poirier.

“I think he’s an elite fighter,” Gaethje recently told ESPN. “What do they got him ranked at, six? I think he should be ahead of Tony (Ferguson) in the rankings. But for him to come out and say he wants a title shot next, a rematch versus Poirier, and his coach, they are (expletive) idiots. He’s been treated special over and over and over, and he didn’t capitalize on this opportunity. That event was for him. That event was for him to win, and he wants to be Mr. Humble now, but you know he would be an (expletive) if he won that fight.

“So I don’t feel bad for him. I’m happy for Poirier. I’m happy Poirier went out there and did his job and finished him. I love seeing a loudmouth get knocked out. There is nothing that makes me happier. Seeing a piece of (expletive) get put down, that was great, I loved it.”

According to SBG Ireland head John Kavanagh, McGregor has expressed his desire to complete the trilogy with Poirier, and it appears that Poirier reciprocates those same sentiments.

But if the UFC does indeed go in that direction, Gaethje says he would be absolutely outraged.

“I would think about never fighting in the UFC if he fights for a title again,” Gaethje said. “That would be preposterous. For one, he’s sitting at No. 6, he’s won one fight in his entire life in the lightweight division, and he picks and chooses who he fights. So I have no respect for him in that manner.”

Gaethje said he is interested in fighting McGregor at some point but isn’t sure that should be his next booking. With Michael Chandler making a splash in his UFC debut, the streaking Charles Oliveira in the title picture, and Poirier sitting at the top of the rankings, Gaethje is excited at the division’s future as he maps out his climb for an opportunity to avenge his loss to “The Diamond.”

“It was an awesome weekend for us lightweights,” Gaethje said. “It really shook up the division. It’s really going to make the UFC, the matchmakers come together and come up with some ideas. There’s a lot of options – I saw they moved Dustin ahead of me in the rankings, deservedly so. He’s one, I’m two, Charles is three, Chandler’s four. No matter what, I’ve got to get my revenge on Poirier, so I’m going to make it there no matter how I’ve got to get there.”

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Michael Chandler: Dustin Poirier and I earned a title fight at UFC 257

After an emphatic finish in his UFC debut, Michael Chandler has officially entered the lightweight title race.

After an emphatic finish in his UFC debut, [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag] has officially entered the promotion’s lightweight title race.

Chandler (22-5 MMA, 1-0 UFC) made quick work of the durable Dan Hooker in the co-main event of UFC 257, in what Dana White called the most impressive UFC debut in recent memory.

As soon as Chandler stopped Hooker, he cut an epic promo and then made sure to watch the night’s headliner between [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] and Conor McGregor, where “The Diamond” stunned “The Notorious” with a second-round TKO.

With UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov seemingly happily retired, Chandler wants the division to move on and thinks he and Poirier (27-6 MMA, 19-5 UFC) are the right guys to battle it out for the vacant UFC title.

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“That is definitely a fight (Poirier) that interests me,” Chandler said on a recent episode of “The Jim Rome Show.” “To be honest with you, Dustin Poirier was the first fight I tried to get in the UFC. I think I match up extremely well against him. I got a ton of respect for that man inside the octagon and outside the octagon. He’s a champion in his own right. I got to watch him cageside go and put away Conor McGregor, one of the greatest of all time. At this point, the performances that we both put on, I think warrants that next title shot.

“Listen, Khabib Nurmagomedov is the greatest to ever do it, but we all know he’s stepping away. Let him step away. Let’s relinquish the belt, let’s put it on the line between me and Dustin Poirier in the next quarter, and I promise you after that fight, I’ll be the UFC champion. I hope that’s the one that happens, and hopefully we can celebrate after.”

Despite Chandler’s willingness to face Poirier, “The Diamond” was rather dismissive of him after his big win at UFC 257. Poirier expressed interest in a potential trilogy with McGregor or a fight with Nate Diaz, as well as acknowledging Charles Oliveira being in the running for a potential title shot, as well.

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UFC 257 on social media: Poirier gains 520,000 new followers, but McGregor still dominates

UFC 257 proved to be a big hit, with fans flocking to their devices to talk about the rematch between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor.

UFC 257 proved to be a big hit, with fans flocking to their devices to talk about [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag], [autotag]Dustin Poirier[/autotag] and [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] during a huge week of social media exposure for the UFC and their three biggest lightweight stars.

Sports industry analytics specialists Nielsen Sports have produced a report revealing that, despite his defeat to Poirier at UFC 257, McGregor was by some distance the most discussed figure in the sport during the weekend.

McGregor generated a staggering 22.7 million engagements across social media in the build-up to fight night in Abu Dhabi, with the Irishman attracting 1.7 times more mentions than the man who went on to defeat him on fight night.

McGregor’s social media profiles received a hefty bump in numbers, with the Irishman picking up a combined 439,000 new followers. But those numbers represent a noticeable drop in pick-up compared to the 1.4 million new fans he gained ahead of his bout with Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.

It was a hugely encouraging weekend for Poirier on social media, with the Louisiana native gaining a whopping 520,000 new followers across his social media channels. That compares favorably to McGregor’s previous opponent Cerrone, whose numbers grew by 341,000 during his fight with the Dubliner in January 2020. For a man looking to spread the word about his charitable projects, that’s a number that could potentially translate to big contributions for his charity The Good Fight Foundation. It might even help him sell a few extra bottles of his Louisiana hot sauce, too.

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As you might expect, the event was also a huge social media win for the UFC’s official accounts, with Nielsen reporting that the brand generated almost 43 million engagements and close to 100,000 mentions throughout fight week.

U.K. managing director of Nielsen Sports, Spencer Nolan, said, “Conor McGregor has once again shown that his popularity on social media continues to remain at unprecedented levels, despite spending a year out of action. Online conversation centered on the fact that McGregor lost, and not that Poirier won. This tells us that, win or lose, he remains a pivotal character that has transcended an entire sport.”

In addition to talk about the McGregor-Poirier fight at UFC 257, there was also a huge amount of social chatter about the much-debated potential rematch between McGregor and UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov, with Nielsen identifying 12,000 separate discussions simultaneously mentioning the two fighters over the course of just three days.

“Analyzing the conversation across social media during fight week in more detail, it’s clear there is a demand from fans to see a rematch between McGregor and Nurmagomdov,” said Nolan.

“Driven by Khabib’s presence in the UFC’s own channel content during fight week, we can see that conversation was rife regarding the promotion’s two biggest assets meeting again.”

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