Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated1626045680

McGregor vs Poirier LIVE: Highlights, who won and latest updates as UFC 264 fight ended over injury

Follow the latest updates and catch up on all the UFC fight highlights

Alex Pattle
Monday 12 July 2021 00:21 BST
Comments
Five of Conor McGregor's best UFC fights

Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier failed to settle their rivalry tonight after a dramatic clash in the main event of UFC 264.

The latest bout marked their third meeting, with McGregor having knocked out Poirier in the first round when they fought at featherweight in 2014, before the American exacted his revenge this January by handing the Irishman the first KO loss of his career. That lightweight contest in Abu Dhabi ended in the second round, with many pundits predicting another early finish as the pair go head-to-head in a sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

There was in fact an early finish, but not an expected one. The trilogy came to a close after McGregor lost to Poirier via doctor stoppage, with the Irishman unable to continue after sustaining an ankle injury at the end of the first round.

McGregor has just one win in the last four-and-a-half years – a 40-second demolition of Donald Cerrone in January 2020 – while Poirier now has eight victories and one defeat in that same period of time. The ‘Diamond’ has established himself as the No 1 lightweight contender in the UFC, and – having previously held interim gold – could have fought for the vacant undisputed title at 155lbs this spring. Instead, Poirier opted for a money fight with McGregor.

Follow all the highlights and fallout from UFC 264 below.

1625977025

McGregor vs Poirier: Main-event time

After McGregor performs his trademark strut, Poirier is out to boos in Las Vegas...

Poirier hugs his wife on the way to the ring.

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:17
1625976989

McGregor vs Poirier: Main-event time

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:16
1625976820

McGregor vs Poirier: Main-event time

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:13
1625976779

McGregor vs Poirier: Main-event time

McGregoir is out first to HUGE cheers!

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:12
1625976694

McGregor vs Poirier: Main event looms

It’s time for the main event.

In January, McGregor played Mr Nice Guys. This time, he has been back to his old, antagonistic antics.

Here’s a reminder of what he had to say ahead of the UFC 264 main event:

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:11
1625976521

McGregor vs Poirier: Main event looms

President Donald Trump is in the building. The Las Vegas crowd is... not exactly happy to see him?

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:08
1625976285

McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard

Burns calls out Jorge Masvidal, who’s in the crowd tonight, and Nate Diaz.

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:04
1625976186

McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard

There’s a bit of a wait for the scorecards... but now we have them:

Burns def. Thompson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:03
1625976061

McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard

Thompson vs Burns: Round 3

Burns moves into side control and throws some short, sharp punches again.

He’s keeping Thompson in place with a knee on the American’s stomach. Burns briefly goes for a guillotine, but Thompson slips out.

The buzzer sounds with Burns throwing a barrage of punches – a number of them to the back of Wonderboy’s head, which is not legal.

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 05:01
1625975918

McGregor vs Poirier: Undercard

Thompson vs Burns: Round 3

This is the first time in nine years that Wonderboy has been taken down twice in a fight.

A nice counter right hand by Thompson, then a sharp head kick. Wonderboy may think he needs a finish to win here – he may be right.

He knocks Burns down with a spinning back kick! But Burns jumps right back up and goes after Thompson!

Burns decides a takedown attempt is the wise move, and – though he’s probably correct – the crowd is not happy about it.

It takes some time, but the Brazilian finally drags Thompson to the mat.

These three takedowns tie Burns’ personal best in a bout.

Alex Pattle11 July 2021 04:58

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in