Dana White says Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier will happen in January 2021; The Notorious One accepts the decision
The rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier from UFC 178 took another big step and it seems that the fight will happen. However, it looks like we will have to wait till next year to see the rematch between these two.
McGregor had intended to end 2020 with a rematch against Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to these plans.
The 32-year-old Irishman will probably never compete in the Featherweight division again. This means that the Notorious One could see out the remainder of his career at Lightweight or Welterweight.
As far as McGregor is concerned, there is unfinished business at 155 lbs. Although The Notorious One and Dustin Poirier would always say they would have been ready for running their first fight back, it was never really in the cards. McGregor's career went on a different trajectory as compared to that of The Diamond.
Then Conor McGregor had to tackle many controversies and that played a big role in putting these two back on the same track. Poirier has had his share of memorable battles while climbing up the rankings as well. His decision win over Dan Hooker is considered to be a Fight of The Year contender.
Adding to all this, Poirier and McGregor became frustrated with UFC and Dana White. The pair agreed to fight for charity in Dublin on 12th December 2020. However, it was never going to happen as UFC already had a card ready on that date.
UFC contracts are some of the tightest ones in sports. There was no way that the organization would have allowed two of its best talents to do something on their own. However, more information has come out in the past few days with Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Dana White explaining their side of the story.
Dana White wants the rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier to happen in 2021
UFC now says the fight can happen but on January 23rd, 2021 and you can safely bet there's a couple of reasons for that.
The biggest reason is Conor McGregor. The Irish fighter is one of the biggest draws in UFC history. Boxing, Bellator, Bare Knuckle Fighting, and The National Football League have all been able to start having people in attendance to watch live. Dana White is probably hoping by January, UFC would be able to do the same as well.
"We offered him a fight. We got him his own date. We have everything laid out for this year with world champions. He's been offered Dustin Poirier on January 23rd. It's a yes or no answer," White told ESPN.
White went on to say he can't figure out why Conor McGregor is so pushy about doing it this year.
It's understandable from Dana White's perspective because a fight featuring The Notorious One could possibly overshadow any title bout.
Now, Conor McGregor has accepted the proposed date by UFC.
Conor McGregor accepts the date
The Irish fighter has now tweeted saying he is happy to accept the proposed by UFC for the rematch with Poirier. McGregor even suggested a venue for the fight as well. You can see the tweet below.
Perhaps, it would be somewhat of the salvation from what he had hoped for. As for Dustin Poirier, he doesn't care when it happens. With McGregor giving a big donation towards The Diamond's charity, Poirier would be open to accepting any date for the fight as well.