‘Notorious’ Rising: Conor McGregor Could Earn Dustin Poirier Fight By Defeating Cole Miller
No. 13-ranked UFC featherweight Conor McGregor has made a name for himself by calling out literally every contender populating the 145-pound Top 10.
Out of action since tearing his ACL during his UFC Fight Night 26 decision win over Max Holloway, “Notorious” is booked for a main event showdown with Cole Miller at UFC Fight Night 46 on July 19 in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland.
If McGregor wins that fight, he may just be facing a higher ranked fighter that hails from Miller’s American Top Team.
According to a report from Ariel Helwani on UFC Tonight, No 6-ranked featherweight Dustin Poirier has been “put on the shelf” pending the result of that fight. If McGregor beats Miller in decisive fashion, he could receive a huge step up in competition to face “The Diamond.”
With only two UFC fights against mid-level competition and a severe injury to overcome, McGregor has a lot to prove before his hype can be considered fully justified. He can go a long way towards proving his worth by soundly defeating Miller, who he recently engaged in a insult-laden war of words with on The MMA Hour.
Poirier, whom McGregor affectionately branded “Peahead” on the same show, was last seen defeating TUF veteran Akira Corassani with a second round TKO at the TUF Nations Finale on April 16, his third straight victory. If Miller scores the upset and makes it past McGregor, he would not face his teammate Poirier.
McGregor’s mouth has gained him a ton of fame quickly, but he’s going to have to back it up with some very sharp performances inside the Octagon.
While it will be no easy feat to beat Miller, the surging “Diamond” is a different story. If he earns the bout, do you give “Notorious” a strong chance to defeat Poirier?
Photo: Winslow Townson for USA TODAY Sports
