10 best Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier 3 predictions so far

8) Paulie Malignaggi (Prediction - Dustin Poirier wins)

It's no secret that Paulie Malignaggi isn't fond of Conor McGregor. He was brought in as a sparring partner for the Irishman ahead of his fight against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. After McGregor's camp released footage showing the Irishman knocking down Malignaggi in training, the pair engaged in bitter exchanges on social media.

In a recent interaction with Helen Yee, Malignaggi said Dustin Poirier is likely to beat McGregor at UFC 264.

"I think he's [Conor McGregor] is probably going to get his a-- kicked [by Dustin Poirier] again, to be honest. But that's okay because they [the fans] will tell you that he wasn't focused again, they'll tell you it's because he just sold his whiskey for $600 million. Conor has really built a reputation...the pinata himself... you get a prize for beating him up."

7) Dan Hooker (Prediction - Dustin Poirier wins)

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has picked his former opponent Dustin Poirier to clinch the trilogy fight with McGregor. According to Hooker, Conor McGregor has many adjustments to make from the previous fight and very little time to do so. In an interaction with Sportskeeda MMA's John Hyon Ko, Hooker said:

"Conor McGregor's the guy that has to make the adjustments. Poirier kind of figured him out with that low calf kick. Weathering that early storm, surviving that early storm and then coming with that low calf kick. It's like Conor McGregor needs to make the adjustment."

"I just don't think that that's enough time to make the adjustment," said Hooker. "Like after he got knocked out he would've had to have a fair bit of time off... I just don't feel like he's had that much time in the gym to make the necessary adjustments."

"It's not as simple as 'aw I'll just pick my leg up and turn.' He's got to adjust his whole stance. I would say adjusting your stance is the hardest thing a fighter can do. You can pick up new techniques, but adjusting your stance. Conor McGregor has always been southpaw, he's always been like super side on and always has his left hand super low."