70 Reasons To Watch UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2
Dan Shapiro for BroBible
Still on the fence about Saturday’s UFC 257 Pay Per View?
I get it … sort of. Actually. Strike that. I don’t.
Honestly, any MMA fight fan knows that a Conor McGregor fight is not to be missed. McGregor is partially responsible for the rapid expansion and international growth of mixed martial arts and the UFC. Even when he loses, he still delivers tremendous fights, so there’s no doubt that his rematch against Dustin Poirier in the UFC 257 PPV main event (Saturday, January 23 (7 p.m. PST / 10 p.m. EST ESPN+ PPV) will be worth the time and effort.
Besides, we’re living in a pandemic, so there probably aren’t a whole lot of other entertainment options on Saturday.
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
However, fight fans are known to be a fickle bunch. We want value for our loyalty and commitment to MMA. We want great fights and highlight reel performances every time out, so with that in mind, here’s a list of just a few reasons to tune in to UFC 257.
Let me count the ways …
The Main Event
1. The Rematch: It’s been more than six years since McGregor and Poirier faced off and squared up at UFC 178. In the years since, they’ve both become decorated world champions, raising the stake for this crucial and pivotal rematch.
McGregor may be the favorite here, but Poirier is still one of the most elite fighters in the world, and with Poirier vs. McGregor 2 being contested at lightweight, this rematch has all the potential for tremendous fireworks.
2. McGregor Wants to Paint a Masterpiece: To hear him say it in his own words at the UFC 257 pre-fight press conference, McGregor stated “someone’s gonna be able to stay in the pocket with me and stay in there and fight with me, and I hope it’s this Saturday night. Do I think so? I do not. I’m in some shape here at the minute and I tell you this now, I am coming to put on a masterpiece.”
3. All Grown Up: In the six years since McGregor last beat Poirier, the pair of UFC lightweights have become world champions, they’ve built empires and started families. Both McGregor and Poirier have evolved into completely different human beings since 2014, so it goes without saying that they must be entirely different fighters.
I wonder what effect growth and maturation will have on McGregor and Poirier for the rematch.
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
4. High Level MMA Boxing: While Poirier is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and McGregor has a strong clinch game, there’s no question that this fight will mostly take place in boxing range.
Two of the UFC’s best boxers, McGregor and Poirier are coming to throw hands and trade leather at UFC 257. Stylistically, that’s a recipe for one hell of a fight.
5. Heart & Determination: What can you say? What we’re about to see at UFC 257 might just be the thing of legend. Between McGregor’s comeback and Poirier’s attempt at redemption, this PPV main event will deliver the type of superhuman grit that everyone aspires to achieve.
6. Will McGregor vs. Poirier 2 Be the Fight of the Night?: Aside from McGregor’s 60-second KO prediction, he’s also mentioned that “I would love a war.” So, are we about to see a quick knockout? Or a blood and guts battle between two of the best lightweights in the world?
7. Is Someone Going To Sleep?: This correlates directly with the bullet point above, but when McGregor (19 career KOs) and Poirier (12 career KOs) link up at UFC 257, there’s a very, very high probability that someone’s head will bounce off the Octagon canvas.
8. Just Bleed: With Poirier mentioning that his ideal gameplan involved the pair being completely covered in their own blood by the end of the first round, McGregor doubled down on the claim, saying “there will be blood spilled, but it will not be bad blood.”*
9. Bonus Machines: During his seven-year UFC run, Conor McGregor has earned 10 performance bonuses to Poirier’s 11. That’s a pretty damn good stat when evaluating if a fight will deliver.
Hint: It Will!
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
10. The Charitable Element: This fight is not a grudge match. It’s a bout between two of MMA’s finest. However, before Poirier and McGregor signed contracts for their rematch at UFC 257, the pair teased a charity boxing match.
Fortunately, “The Notorious” and “The Diamond” will do the dance in 4-ounce gloves, but following the fight, McGregor has pledged something like $500,000 to Poirier’s Good Fight Fondation, a non-profit he runs with his wife in Lafayette, Louisiana.
11. McGregor Resuming His “Season”: At the end of 2019, McGregor teased his three-fight season in 2020. Unfortunately, things stalled following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, completely washing his plans.
Now that he’s back, McGregor is looking for as many fights as he can get, ideally 7-8 in the next 18 months. Heck, he even said he’d fight four times in the first quarter of 2021 to fulfill his existing UFC contract, saying “I got 40 seconds inside the Octagon in 2020 which caused major frustration in … it’s not enough. I need more.”
12. Conor Sounds More Driven Than He’s Been in Ages: “! I’m just an insanely driven young man. I’m passionate about what I’m passionate about, and I give it my all. That’s it. I’m a hard worker, through and through. If something needs to be done, Conor McGregor gets it done. Make no mistake about it.”
Gift of Gab
13. What Will McGregor Say After the Fight: During his seven years in the UFC, McGregor has delivered some of the most memorable lines in the UFC. From “60 Gs, Dana” and “Surprise, surprise the king is back,” to “I apologize to absolutely no one” and “We’re not here to take part. We’re here to take over,” McGregor always has something clever to say after a big win.
So what will come out of his mouth when he’s interviewed in the center of the Octagon following the UFC 257 PPV main event?
14. The Laugh: You know the one I’m talking about, the infectious leprechaun giggle. Anyway, should McGregor feel giddy at any point post fight, we very well might hear his maniacal cackle on the microphone.
15. “Mystic Mac”: Born the night of the first Poirier fight in 2014, McGregor’s alter ego has become somewhat of a clairvoyant, making good on many a pre-fight prediction.
For UFC 257, “Mystic Mac” is predicting that “I would love a war. I would love to be in the mix with it, and I am certainly ready for that, so let’s see. I will have landed devastating blows within those first 60 seconds if Dustin can withstand and stay in there more power to him.”*
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
16. The “Notorious” Mind Games: McGregor has long been known as a master of mental warfare, essentially beating former UFC champions Jose Aldo and Eddie Alvarez before even stepping into the Octagon by living rent free in their heads. McGregor also used similar mental tactics to disrupt Poirier’s flow and concentration in the first fight, but UFC 257 has been all about respect.
So, is it all a ruse? Is McGregor’s polite and jovial approach just another ploy to get inside Poirier’s mind?
Seriously, I have no idea …
“Notorious” Natural Advantages
17. Conor’s Left Hand: As if god came down and blessed that first with all the power in the world, McGregor’s left is, well, sweeter than Yoo-Hoo.
I mean seriously, just take a look at that thing …
18. Conor’s Shoulder Strikes: It’s not so much that McGregor busted out this rarely used technique during his last bout against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. It’s that he had the presence of mind to be creative in the moment and effectively use all his weapons, even the ones no one ever saw before.
19. Conor’s Spinning Hook Kicks: Because when McGregor fights, there’s always the likely chance that he opens up the fight with some flashy spinning sh!t. It’s part of his overall distance management, but also a crowd pleaser.
20. Conor’s Numerous Weapons: “I have a million shots. I have so many weapons in my arsenal and they’re all fine tuned and this time I’m in a phenomenal place, and I look forward to getting out and showcasing and painting my picture and putting on a beautiful performance for the fans around the world.”
Career Implications
21. Is This a Crossroads Fight For McGregor: Sure, Conor is making another comeback and saying all the right things about wanting to put in a solid run at 155 pounds, but make no mistake about it, he needs to win this fight.
At this point, a loss would be devastating for his career, and would completely nix any chance of ever earning the rematch against Khabib.
If McGregor wants to regain his place at the top of the MMA food chain, he must beat Poirier. Otherwise, we may see him in the boxing ring sooner than later.
22. He’s More Focused Than Ever: “Focus. Discipline. Structure. These are the true keys to success. You’ve got to be structured in your work. You’ve got to be disciplined. You’ve got to be self-motivated. And those are the things I am. And I’m certainly a lot more mature in all aspects of my life, and it’s a good time in my life, a really good time. I’m in a really positive place. I’ve came through the ringer. I’ve came through a lot and I still stand here before you and I still prevail so I am very happy.”*
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
23. Has Conor Lost His Edge?: Replacing his trash talk for positivity throughout fight week, some people believe that McGregor has become soft and humbled. Is that the case? Doubt it, but it’s definitely another point of intrigue heading into UFC 257.
That Tony Robbins Talk
It’s no secret that McGregor is close friends with guru Tony Robbins. Connecting with Robbins a few years back to deal with numerous issues in his personal life, McGregor has transformed himself into a positivity machine.
So, here are a few soundbites that may very well be straight out of a Tony Robbins seminar.
24. “Sometimes I think, man, I should’ve just stayed in the featherweight division and fought Ricardo Lamas and those type of guys and just been in the featherweight division. I always look to challenge myself and seek greater heights.”
25. “Once you’re fully committed, things are simple. Hard things become easy when you commit yourself fully, and that’s what I’ve done.”**
26. “I’ve gone through some heinous things … against me and it’s been beyond tough but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. What doesn’t break you, makes you. And there were times I was at my absolute end, but I held firm.”**
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
More Quotables
Sometimes when you’re as well spoken, witty, and charismatic as McGregor, everything that comes out of your mouth sounds like gold …
27. “I’ve got it done and I’m up here, mad as a brush. I’ve been through it all.”
28. “What does the champ champ do? He does it twice. Okay, I conquered it. Okay, let’s conquer it again. Do it twice. That’s what the champ champ does.”
29. “My whistle will still whistle strong on the night and I’m excited to show.”
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
30. “You’re gonna see all the classic McGregor traits only amplified. The precision is going to be sharper, the shots are gonna whistle through the air faster … Now I am free. I feel like an Octopus Stephen [A. Smith]. I’ve got all my limbs, all my weapons here, and I look forward to utilizing them on Saturday night. I hope we can get more than 50 seconds. We’ll see. I foresee cleanness. Clean work.”***
31. “I am the champion. Do you know that the unified title was never crowned that time in October 2018? Khabib fled the cage and left me fighting with his family members in the cage. The post-fight ceremony never took place so I still feel like I am the champion here, and I will go in there and prove that. I’ll prove that with my performances and time will show. The cream always rises to the top and the world is about to see it.”**
32. “I’m the whale. The whale doesn’t react to the bait. The fish react to the bait.”**
Title Talk
33. Conor Wants the Belt: Having already won a pair of UFC titles, McGregor has stated that he’s ready to reclaim his place at the top of the division. And while he feels that the UFC 257 PPV main event against Dustin Poirier should be for the gold, at this point he’s just trying to put himself in a position to win the title in 2021.
34. Conor Doesn’t Care About the Belt: Go figure. As much as he wants the title, McGregor is also acting nonchalant about the absence of a championship on the line saying “what are the belts? I’m here to compete. Get some good competition. The belts will come.”*
Smashing the Ghost of Khabib
While McGregor has had some great rivals during his career: Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather; Khabib Nurmagomedov will always remain his all-time foe. And, while Khabib has stated his intention to remain retired, Conor continues to poke the bear.
So, here are just a few nuggets of McGregor trash talking Khabib during fight week.
35. “As long as we fight again there’ll be no issue. If he continues to run, then I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens.”
36. “How you could walk away at this stage is baffling to me. But each to their own. There’s so many amazing fights out there and even to carry on the Tony situation … I don’t care about nothing … you’re scheduled to fight a man. No matter what. Fights must take place. You can’t just scurry away from bouts. It’s been the hallmark of his approach and I was not surprised to see him walk away or scurry away.”*
37. “I would make the case, if that man is continuing to dodge this and dodge the commitment of competing again, the title should be stripped and we should be engaging in a title fight … I’m interested to hear the excuses or what will be said after the fight but I predict a title strip.”
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
Conor’s Return To Lightweight
38. Conor Back at 155: This is one of the biggest talking points of UFC 257 fight week. Lightweight has long since been considered McGregor’s ideal weight class, despite his 1-1 record in the UFC at 155 pounds.
As he’s mentioned, “I’ve got a great challenge Saturday night and I’m very excited to get in. I’ve put in an immense amount of work to get my frame correct at 155, to get my conditioning … I wanna answer questions here, and I hope Dustin can bring it to me and we can have a good fight.”
39. That Physique: As Conor himself puts it, “I’m jacked and I’m shredded. I’m in a tremendous place.”*
40. His Lightweight Run Begins Now: “I would like to put a stint in at 155 pounds for sure.
I came into the UFC as a featherweight and I went through the division. I gave it my all in that division and I tore through the division like a chainsaw through butter. Interim title. Unified title. Then I went up and reached for greater heights.
“I never got a good stint at 155 pounds. A consecutive stint like I done in the featherweight division. I’d like to do the same here in the lightweight division that I done in the featherweight division give it a good run and tear through the division. There’s many good competitors, good fighters in there and I feel levels above them all. So I would like to put that stint in. There are dangling carrots or whatever you would say like treasure chests that get presented to me.”*
41. McGregor is Just On a Different Level: “What’s a war to [Poirier] and what’s a war to me are two different things. If he can last, he can last, but it’s gonna be a smooth one for me to be honest … I know dustin’s a good fighter, but I’m the double greatest.”*
42. He’s Right on Championship Weight: “Making weight is difficult. But difficult things are not so difficult when you commit yourself fully and in actuality they become easy. And That’s where I am at. I have done this flawlessly … I have got my body into a lightweight frame once again. I’m full of energy.”*
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
43. Just How Dialed in Is McGregor?: “I am just faster. I am sharper. I am more mentally tuned in. I am certainly more well conditioned. And that’s it. It’s me in fast forward, that’s how I feel right now and that’s a great place to be in. It was not easy to get to that place. It was a lot of hard work. I didn’t just come here to get here. I am continuing to go forward and climb forward. I don’t think I’ve even reached my potential … I don’t think I’m 50 percent yet.”*
44. Dispelling the Notion that He Has Suspect Cardio: “I think it’s a myth. Obviously I had the first Diaz fight. I went from featherweight, and then a month or so later I was at welterweight. That’s obviously gonna have impact, and there was other issues. But, overall I think it’s a myth, and it’s a myth that’s out there and that’s it and I hope we can answer it. I will answer it in time at some stage. I keep showing up here.”
Predicting McGregor’s Future
45. Will He Call Out Nate Diaz Next?: Having already fought Diaz twice in 2016, McGregor is adamant that “we will compete again. If it happens at lightweight for a title that would be something special.”*
So, will Conor use his platform at UFC 257 to line up the trilogy with Diaz?
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
46. Max Holloway is Holding Tight: Just a week after his historic performance on Fight Island, former featherweight champion and one-time McGregor foe, Max Holloway, is hanging out in Abu Dhabi, riding his skateboard all over Yas Island in case the UFC needs a replacement fighter.
Even if Max doesn’t get the opportunity to step in and fight, he still has a chance to make a few waves and ruffle a few feathers. After all, his Jameson’s Whisky-sponsored troll job of McGregor remains one of the best social media stunts in MMA history.
47. Or is it a Boxing Match Against Pacquiao?: Having already faced boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, earning a nine-figure paycheck in the process, McGregor has been teasing a return to boxing for more than a year, this time setting his sights on four division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
The immediate future of McGregor’s career largely depends on his performance at UFC 257, so it’ll be interesting to see how things play out. And, to hear it from McGregor himself, “I know the talks are intensifying for this year, so I am excited for a Manny Pacquiao bout, and it’s looking like it will take place this year. What time this year? I am not sure … we’re gonna have to have some good discussions with Dana [White] and the guys, and the UFC after and see where it goes … I am open to it all. I am ready for it all. I will certainly attain a boxing world title before I call it a day.”*
The Style
48. The Tight Fade and Beard Look: “The Notorious” Conor McGregor knows a thing or two about fashion. In addition to his August McGregor fashion line — you know, the company that brought you the infamous F*CK YOU suit ahead during the Mayweather-McGregor World Tour — Conor tends to favor a different look for every fight and camp.
While he was rocking his cornrow/top knot Irish barbarian look the first time he fought McGregor, he’s returned to the tight cropped fade and bearded look for UFC 257.
The last time he wore this particular style in the Octagon was at UFC 202 for his rematch against Nate Diaz.
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
49. Conor’s Billionaire Strut: Sure, WWE head honcho Vince McMahon deserves most of the credit for the arm flailing cocksure walk, but McGregor popularized it on a mainstream level. Wonder if this new McGregor will enter the Octagon with all his usual swag.
50. That Watch Tho: I know. He won’t be wearing it in the Octagon on Saturday, January 23, but I just needed to make mention of this x-rated time piece because, well, like McGregor it’s absurd and over the top.
Odds and Ends
51. Conor’s Looking for More Records: After delivering a million-selling PPV in 2020, including the fastest main event KO of the year, McGregor is looking to outdo himself at UFC 257.
52. He Wants More, More, More!: UFC 257 may very well be the launching point for the next stage of McGregor’s career. And, while McGregor has had a tremendous career up until this point, he also mentioned that he’s “Satisfied, but not overly satisfied.”
If two UFC titles and hundreds of millions of dollars aren’t enough, imagine what he has in store from here on out.
53. Conor Will Never Really Retire From the Game: Speaking with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith McGregor stated “I retired out of frustration. I couldn’t get my bouts and I was like, you know what? You’re not gonna treat me with respect? I’m gone.
“Sometimes you’ve got to take yourself out of a situation if you’re not being respected or appreciated and just distance yourself from it. And that’s what it was. It was more out of frustration. The truth is, the fight game will never get rid of me. Conor McGregor will be here until the day I go out.”***
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
54. He Wants to Coach The Ultimate Fighter: Mentioning that “I would still be open to it,” McGregor has mentioned that he’d even be interested in making a return to reality television to take a shot at coaching.
55. He’s (Mostly) Sober: “To think some of the times when I was cutting weight and I was drinking my whisky heavy, and you’re on limited calories and then you’re doing heavy training sessions. It’s not a good mix.
I [quit drinking] for the “Cowboy” Cerrone fight when I didn’t have to cut weight. This time I had to. I was following a strict nutrition plan, so I’ve been off of my liquid, as difficult as that is. But I have been off it throughout this entire camp. Now, granted I had a little sipple over the Christmas, but that was small, just to wet the lips to see how my creation is blossoming, and it’s blossoming beautifully.
So, I have stayed strict as I can be this camp and I am looking forward to my post fight toast. I will raise the glass … I’m going to have a proper Irish coffee after the fight.”**
The Rest of the UFC 257 PPV Main Card on ESPN+
56. Dustin Porier’s Shot at Redemption: This sort of goes in line with the whole rematch angle, but Dustin Poirier is one of those fighters who is always worth watching, and throwing down a few bones for. But this fight is different. This fight is about redemption after six years. It’s about coming full circle after McGregor knocked him out of the featherweight division in 2014 and altering the course of his career.
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
57. Michael Chandler’s UFC Debut: A multiple time world champion with the Bellator organization, Chandler will finally step into the Octagon for the first time at UFC 257. Chandler’s debut is one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory, and, as McGregor himself said “I’m interested to see the bout between the two guys … they have a chance to make a name for themselves, make a statement and go after it.”*
58. Just how far can Dan “The Hangman” Hooker Go?: Moment of truth … I’ve known about Dan Hooker and followed his career for years, even before he was in the UFC. Back in 2012, Hooker lost to a personal acquaintance of mine, Chinese lightweight Wu Haotian, who happens to be one of UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili’s main coaches in Beijing. Wu made pretty easy work of Hooker at their bout, so it’s been a major surprise and revelation to see “The Hangman” come into his own during the last few years. And boy has he made the most of every opportunity.
This fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 257 will be the most high profile bout of his career, and after his last two Fight of the Night performances, there’s really no telling how far he can take this whole MMA thing.
59. Women’s Strawweight Prospect Amanda Ribas: Fighting against Marina Rodriguez on the PPV portion of the UFC 257 fight card, Amanda Ribas, who is already 4-0 in the UFC, will look to add to her resume as she climbs her way up the ranks. Ribas became a big hit at UFC 251, the first fight card at Fight Island, and fans have been clamoring for her return.
60. An Important Fight at 125: Flyweights Joanne Calderwood and Jessica Eye will settle their beef at UFC 257, and there may just be a title shot on the line. Those are the kind of big stakes that can produce killer highlights.
61. Crazy Cornermen Say Crazy Stuff: With well known coaches like John Kavanagh, Mike Brown, Henri Hooft, Firas Zahabi, and former UFC champion Matt Serra all on Fight Island to corner fighters at UFC 257, there’s bound to be some absurd, hilarious, and insightful moments in between rounds.
Fight Island
62. Conor on Fight Island: First arriving on Fight Island in a pair of green sweatpants and no top, McGregor has been living large on Yas Island, renting a super yacht rather than staying in the fighter hotel. So, does he have any other surprises in store for the Fight Island crowd?
63. First PPV in the New Etihad Arena: With Max Holloway and Calvin Katter christening the new state of the art venue in Abu Dhabi, McGregor and Poirier will become the first PPV main event to take place in this new location on Fight Island.
It’s a minor point, but what are the chances that the UFC works the new venue and technology into the PPV broadcast? It’s definitely possible.
64. The Walkout: There’s no doubt that McGregor’s greatest walkout came at UFC 189, when Irish superstar Sinead O’Connor sang “Foggy Dew” as “The Notorious” made his way down the tunnel and into the arena.
McGregor’s walkouts have always been something to watch, and he even mentioned that “I know they’ve got major things for the walkout. I’m really excited about that.”*
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
65. Fans in the Crowd: There may only be 2,000 people in attendance, but it’ll be great to see and hear fans back in the stands. And with a fighter as high profile as McGregor, there’s no doubt that those in the stands will make the Etihad Arena echo like a cacophonous atom bomb.
UFC Staples
66. The Bets: With McGregor listed as a -305 favorite to Poirier’s +245 underdog, it’ll be interesting to see how “The Notorious” performs considering that he hasn’t been this big of a favorite since the second Nate Diaz fight, which was an instant classic.
67. Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier on Commentary: The pair have quickly become the UFC’s premiere commentary team, providing great insight to every fight in the Octagon, helping the viewers at home follow along and learn more about MMA.
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
68. Bruce Buffer’s Sport Coats: Blazers, tuxedos, plaid, silk, and lamé, Buffer has a jacket for every occasion.
69. The Ring Girls: Calling B.S. on anyone who doesn’t enjoy watching the numbers 1-5 go round the Octagon in between rounds.
Just Because …
70. Conor Doesn’t Want You There! He Wants You to Watch on PPV: While McGregor will fight Poirier at UFC 257 in front of an estimated crowd of 2,000 fans at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, he was actually hoping to fight in an empty venue, like the previous Fight Island events.
He’s certainly not bummed about the situation, but to hear it in McGregor’s own words, “I was actually excited that I was gonna get in there without the crowd. I do love the crowd. I feed off the energy for sure. But I was very excited, well, I was hopeful that I would get in there and get to broadcast my power and my ferocity to the world with no exterior sound from the crowd.”*
ONLY ON ESPN+: UFC 257 – Saturday 1/23/20 10:00 PM/ET
UFC 257 Pay Per View Main Card (on ESPN+ PPV) 7 p.m. PST / 10 p.m. EST
- Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier
- Michael Chandler vs. Dan Hooker
- Jessica Eye vs. Joanne Calderwood
- Amanda Ribas vs. Marina Rodriguez
- Andrew Sanchez vs. Makhmud Muradov
UFC 257 Prelims (on ESPN+ & ESPN) 5 p.m. PST / 8 p.m. EST
- Matt Frevola vs. Arman Tsarukyan
- Brad Tavares vs. Antonio Carlos Junior
- Juliana Pena vs. Sara McMann
- Khalil Rountree vs. Marcin Prachnio
UFC 257 Early Prelims (on ESPN+ & ESPN) 3:15 p.m. PST / 6:15 p.m. EST
- Nik Lentz vs. Movsar Evloev
- Amir Albazi vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov
Fight card subject to change
All quotations are from the official UFC 257 pre-fight press conference, except where noted.
* As told to The Mac Life
** As told to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani
*** As told to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith
Dan Shapiro is a writer, editor, musician, and producer currently based in Los Angeles. In addition to covering some of the biggest fights in combat sports history, he’s also hunted down the world’s best sushi, skied the northern hemisphere in July, and chronicled Chinese underground music for publications like CNN, the New York Daily News, VICE, and Time Out. Dan also conjured up a ghost at the Chateau Marmont while out on assignment for RoadTrippers. Follow him on Twitter here.
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