While most PPV events generally rely on the headlining act to sell the card, UFC 178 differed in the fact that arguably the most anticipated match-up on the PPV card took place before the co-main event of the evening. Irish sensation Conor McGregor had all eyes on him in Las Vegas when he destroyed Dustin Poirier in less than two minutes of fight time to announce himself as a legitimate contender in the featherweight division.
McGregor took command of the fight early on and landed a blow to the ear that sent “The Diamond” tumbling to the ground, where he received a few more hammer fists before Herb Dean stepped in to end the contest.
Official Result: Conor McGregor def. Dustin Poirier via TKO (Strikes, Round 1, 1:46)
What was the high point of the fight?
Considering the fight lasted just over 100 seconds, the entire fight could be classified as the high point. McGregor took control of the bout from the get-go with his unorthodox spinning kicks before landing the blow that dropped Poirier before he ended the fight shortly thereafter with several crushing shots.
Where do these two go from here?
The Irishman is in an interesting position now. Many would not object to him receiving the next title shot against the winner between Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes at UFC 179, yet that would require him leapfrogging the winner of Cub Swanson and Frankie Edgar. At worst, he is one more fight away from a featherweight title shot.
Following a disappointing loss, Poirier look to rebound with a win against a Top 10 opponent in the featherweight division. He is in a tough spot now, as he has failed on numerous occasions to win in the crucial moments.
Watch now, later or never?
Watch now. Conor McGregor is undoubtedly one of the UFC’s biggest stars and this is just another chapter in his rapidly lengthening story.
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