Conor McGregor would ‘relish a war’ against rival Dustin Poirier despite predicting quick victory

Conor McGregor admitted he would prefer a long fight with Dustin Poirier over a quick knockout in UFC 257 next week – but the Irishman does not think his opponent can last that long. 

The ‘Notorious’ will make his dramatic return to the Octagon next Saturday night against MMA rival Poirier just six months after a shock retirement from UFC last summer.

McGregor predicts the fight will be a quick one but would be open to being taken the distance by his American opponent on Saturday if he is capable of producing that level of performance.  

Conor McGregor wants a war against Dustin Poirier next week but is not sure he will get one

The Irishman (right) will return to the Octagon on January 23 just six months after retiring

The Irishman told ESPN: ‘I know he (Poirier) is hoping it’s a war and to drag that war back and forth – I’m actually excited about that also. 

‘I wouldn’t be against that, I would actually love that and relish a war with Dustin. 

‘So if he can withstand the shots and get a pop then let’s get it going. Let’s stand in there and let’s fight. I just foresee my shots landing early and that’s it.’

The Irishman will face American rival Dustin Poirier but McGregor thinks the fight will be short

When McGregor returns to the Octagon next week, it will be his first UFC fight in over a year. 

The Irishman’s last contest was a January 2020 victory against Donald Cerrone, which saw McGregor win inside the opening 40 seconds of round one. 

The 32-year-old admitted he is in need of a lot of minutes inside the ring but predicts the fight against Poirier will be a ‘smooth one’.  

When asked whether he would rather have a ‘war’ rather an a 60-second knockout, McGregor said: ‘Yeah I would to be honest. I probably would. I want to compete and rack up the clock and get some time in there. 

McGregor (L) beat Poirier (R) inside two rounds when the pair last met at UFC 178 back in 2014

‘What’s a war to him and what’s a war to me are two different things. If he can last, he can last but it’s going to be a smooth one for me to be honest. 

‘I know Dustin’s a good fighter but I’m the double-greatest.’ 

McGregor and Poirier have met in the Octagon once back, with the Irishman coming out on top at UFC 178 back in September 2014. 

On that occasion, the ‘Notorious’ managed to overcome the challenge of Poirier inside the opening two rounds.