Rogan Explains McGregor’s Loss To Poirier: ‘Dustin Got A Lot Better’

Many people were surprised to see Dustin Poirier take out Conor McGregor in the fashion he did when the two met in a rematch at UFC 257 last month. McGregor hadn’t been nearly as active as “Diamond” over the past few years, but the Irishman already held a win over Poirier from 2014 bout at featherweight and seemed focused to regain his momentum at 155 pounds.

Unfortunately for McGregor, Poirier had the ultimate gameplan. He butchered McGregor’s lead leg early on and prevented “Notorious” from carrying his power and gift for striking into the second round. That’s when Poirier turned the heat up and smacked McGregor with heavy punches for a career-defining knockout finish (see it HERE).

While McGregor has blamed his pre-fight preparation for the loss there are some that believe Poirier is simply on another level at this point in their respective careers. This includes UFC color commentator Joe Rogan, who recently discussed the rematch on his Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

“The thing is [McGregor] is heavy on that front leg, [he has a] wide karate stance and he’s always doing this,” explained Rogan. “When that leg is available for the low calf kick that changes everything, changes your whole approach, and Conor is also a guy never been known to switch back and forth. He doesn’t like to have his left leg forward, that’s not a common thing for him.

“So, once his leg is getting chewed up, it’s not like he’s got that option, like he can fight just as good from orthodox.”

Rogan, who was not present at UFC 257 but carries a plethora of fight game knowledge, points at Poirier’s adaptation to 155 pounds as a major reason why “Diamond” was able to power his way through McGregor.

“At 145, Dustin was depleted and diminished. At 155? He’s f-cking huge. He doesn’t even look like a 55er. He looks like a 70; his back is f-cking gigantic. And look at Dustin’s series of victories, look at the people he beat. He beat the sh-t out of Max Holloway. That’s crazy,” said Rogan.

“He beat him with what Max Holloway’s best at, which is standup. You see what Max Holloway did to Calvin Kattar. Jesus Christ, Max Holloway’s standup is amazing.”

As of now, UFC is leaning towards a trilogy bout between Poirier and McGregor this summer, but it won’t be for the undisputed lightweight title. At least it will give McGregor a chance to reclaim glory inside of the Octagon and Poirier to prove he’s simply the better fighter.