The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) held its first 2021 pay-per-view (PPV) offer with UFC 257 taking place at Etihad Arena on “Ilha da Luta” yesterday (Saturday, January 23) in Abu Dhabi. In the main event of the night, Dustin Poirier surprised Conor McGregor by stopping him with attacks in the second round (see again here). In the co-headliner act, Michael Chandler made an explosive UFC debut by knocking out Dan Hooker in the first round (recap here).
Biggest winner: Dustin Poirier
Poirier had the much-desired revenge on McGregor, stopping him with attacks in the second round in a highly impressive display. In doing so, Poirier tied the series in one piece, meaning that he probably prepared for another big payday if a trilogy fight happens. For now, “The Diamond” has put itself in a great position to fight for what one can only assume will be the lightweight belt that will soon be vacated, as Khabib Nurmagomedov does not seem to have plans to fight anytime soon, if ever. It is undoubtedly Poirier’s greatest victory, which can only be overcome if he takes the official 155-pound belt in his next game.
Runner-up: Michael Chandler
Chandler silenced all the pessimists and critics who said he was in no position to be with the big boys in the UFC by obliterating Dan Hooker absolutely in the first round, putting the entire lightweight category on alert. The former 155 pound Bellator MMA champion lingered at the start, waiting for the right opportunity to unload his strength. And he did just that in the middle of the opening frame, marking “The Hangman” with a sneaky left hook that knocked him over. From there, the power of wrestling launched itself at Hooker and unleashed a series of attacks that forced the stoppage. By eliminating Hooker in this way, Chandler did something that Al Iaquinta, Poirier and Felder could not do. He also came home with an extra $ 50,000 in his pockets. A great debut in every way.
Biggest loser: Conor McGregor
McGregor’s long-awaited comeback did not go the way he had hoped, losing to Poirier via technical knockout (TKO). While “Notorious” looked good at first, Poirier made the adjustments and the calf kicks were too much for “Notorious”, who ended up receiving the devastating blows from “The Diamond”. The defeat is McGregor’s second in the last two matches, with his only win during that period against Donald Cerrone at welterweight. Is “Notorious” ready? Highly unlikely. He will, however, have to go back to the drawing board and find out what his next move is. Fortunately for the impetuous Irishman, he has several options as the biggest star of the promotion. Still, defeat – which is the first KO / TKO of his career – will be difficult for him to swallow and there is no telling where his mind will be in the coming weeks.
For complete UFC 257 results and coverage, click on here.