Conor McGregor cops embarrassing new blow after KO loss

Conor McGregor has fallen outside the top five rankings for UFC lightweight fighters after his loss to Dustin Poirier.

Poirier scored a sensational knockout victory over McGregor at UFC 257 on Sunday, flattening him in the second round to put himself in pole position for another crack at the lightweight title.

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While McGregor’s hopes of winning back the lightweight title also took a significant blow with the loss, the full extent of the fallout has now come to light.

The UFC released updated fighter rankings on Tuesday, revealing McGregor is now at No.6 contender in the lightweight division, down from No.4.

Khabib Nurmagomedov still officially holds the title despite claiming he’s retired from UFC, while Poirier has jumped up to No.1 contender following his KO of McGregor.

Rounding out the top five are Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson.

What’s more, McGregor will have to wait until July to fight again after being hit with a six-month medical suspension.

Under strict UFC protocols, fighters who have been knocked out face lengthy stints on the sidelines to ensure they are back to full health before fighting again.

And McGregor is no exception.

When asked if he plans on fighting again in 2021, McGregor said: “Of course. I need activity, guys, come on.

“You don’t get away with being inactive and that’s the way it is.

“I’ll take my licks. I’m gutted, to be honest. I’m gutted. I put so much work in.

“Well done, Dustin. We’re one and one. Good man. It’s a tough one to swallow.

“I put in a lot of work, I’m proud of my work. I would’ve liked to have represented my team a little bit better. But we’ll get to go again and that’s it.”

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The KO was the first in McGregor’s storied career and came after the Irishman had dominated the fight from the opening bell.

Controlling the centre of the octagon on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, McGregor landed some hard shots with his right hand but couldn't find the blow with his left that would have finished the fight.

Instead Poirier scored with a hard right to get his back off the fence before landing a flurry of blows to beat the overwhelming favourite.

The knockout also silenced the thousands in the crowd cheering on McGregor and the arena emptied out quickly once the fight was over.

Poirier, who won the interim lightweight title in 2019 but came up short when Khabib beat him for the undisputed crown later the same year,

If Khabib does not return, Poirier is likely to face Chandler, the former Bellator champion who scored a thunderous first-round knockout victory in his UFC debut over New Zealand’s Dan Hooker in the evening’s co-main event.

with AAP

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