Dustin Poirier Continues to Push For Conor McGregor Rematch: “I’m The Next Guy in Line”

Recent discussion and debate about who Conor McGregor will fight next has largely involved the name Justin Gaethje. But, Dustin Poirier continues to drive for a rematch with the UFC’s former featherweight and lightweight champ.

McGregor versus Gaethje talk

Since McGregor was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov last October, the Irish star has repeatedly called for a rematch with the lightweight champ. But, since McGregor hasn’t won a fight since 2016, Nurmagomedov has consistently argued the former champ doesn’t deserve a title shot. Further, UFC President Dana White has said that Tony Ferguson should and will be next for Khabib, provided they can get the fight signed.

Gaethje, meanwhile, has repeatedly called for a fight with McGregor.  Not long ago, McGregor reported that there had been discussions about him fighting Gaethje earlier this year, before he injured his hand. So, when you consider Gaethje’s recent run of finishes, not to mention his fighting style, there’s considerable hype about him fighting McGregor.

Poirier’s calls for a rematch with McGregor

Well, after Poirier was tapped out by Nurmagomedov last month at UFC 242, he called for a rematch with McGregor. The two fought back in 2014, at featherweight, and McGregor won the fight via first-round stoppage.

More recently Poirier spoke with MMA Junkie, and once again, he presented his case for a rematch with McGregor.

“I think it could happen; I don’t know how likely it is,” Poirier said “I’m still at the top of the division. He’s ranked under me. If he wants to get back to the title, there’s only one way to do that is to fight. I’m the next guy in line, so I think it makes a lot of sense. My star has never been brighter, and people want to see Conor back, and I think it would be a huge fight, and it would be a huge pay-per-view. I just want a fight that’s going to make me excited. I’ve been doing this a long time and not that I’m not motivated, I just want to be excited about it.”

“…They haven’t offered me anything yet, but I would fight again this year if it makes sense,” Poirier said. “But if not, maybe the first quarter of next year. I’m going up to Colorado in a week to get my hips checked out by a hip specialist and just to get a second opinion. My hip has been bothering me the last couple years. If I can do a scope or something like that, it’s going to take me out for six weeks, and it makes me feel amazing in my next camp, I’m going to take that and do that. But we’ll see.”

Could McGregor – Poirier II happen? Crazier things have happened, and Poirier’s right in that he’s ranked one spot ahead of McGregor.

You have to really wonder, however, whether McGregor’s that keen on facing Poirier again. If the latter had the title, then it would be a no brainer. But, there does seem to be much more buzz about him fighting Gaethje, or possibly the winner of Jorge Masvidal – Nate Diaz (even though White has said he doesn’t want McGregor fighting at 170). McGregor has also said he’s interested in fighting Frankie Edgar.