With it all to play for in the UFC’s lightweight following the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov on Saturday, Conor’s McGregor’s proposed January clash with Dustin Poirier has taken on an added layer of significance.
The potential fight, which would be a rematch of their first fight at UFC 178 in September 2014, is understood to have been agreed in principle by all parties but has so far not been officially announced — but that isn’t stopping McGregor from staying ready.
McGregor posted footage of some recent boxing sparring alongside training partner Cian Cowley to his Instagram story, which you can see reproduced below. Interestingly, the sparring against Cowley features both fighters in the southpaw stance — the same stance which Poirier has used throughout his career.
Earlier this month, McGregor also noted on social media that the fight with the southpaw Poirier would be ideal preparation for the mooted boxing match with Manny Pacquaio which has been mentioned as taking place next year.
“Southpaw box style,” McGregor wrote of his bout with Poirier. “Continue to sharpen my MMA skills with some tough competition, while leading into my Manny bout preparation. It’s not easy going between both sports and then coming back to the one sport again. Just want to keep sharp guys, that’s all. It’s only fair.”
You can check out the footage below:
Preparations for January 23 are well and truly underway for Conor McGregor.
Getting those southpaw defensive drills in with Cian Cowley. 🥊#UFC
🎥 via @TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/TWW6lybDYn
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) October 27, 2020
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