UFC 264 was a monumental event in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Held on July 10, 2021, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, UFC 264 featured one of the most highly anticipated rematches in the sport’s history. The event was headlined by the third bout between two of the biggest names in UFC history Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. This showdown was years in the making, with both fighters having faced each other twice before, with McGregor winning the first meeting in 2014 and Poirier avenging that loss with a victory in January 2021.

UFC 264 not only served as a dramatic conclusion to this trilogy but also included a stacked undercard with fighters like Gilbert Burns, Tai Tuivasa, and Greg Hardy showcasing their talents. This article will dive into the key moments, fighters, controversies, and aftermath of UFC 264, offering a deep look at why this event became one of the most talked-about UFC shows in recent history.

The Headliner: Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier III

The highly anticipated trilogy fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier was the focal point of UFC 264. The two had faced off twice previously, with McGregor winning their first encounter in 2014 via knockout in the first round. However, Poirier avenged this loss in January 2021 at UFC 257, knocking McGregor out in the second round and pushing for a rubber match to determine who would be the true winner of their rivalry.

Leading up to UFC 264, McGregor had expressed his confidence, stating that he would reclaim the victory and continue his path back to a title shot. Meanwhile, Poirier was determined to prove that his victory at UFC 257 was no fluke, positioning himself for a potential title shot.

The Fight Itself: What Happened During the Bout?

UFC 264’s main event was filled with anticipation, but the fight ended in a tragic fashion for McGregor. The first round was competitive, with both fighters landing significant strikes. McGregor seemed to have a good start, landing some solid punches, but Poirier’s leg kicks were clearly taking a toll on the Irishman.

The turning point came late in the first round when McGregor, attempting to throw a punch while backing away, appeared to snap his leg. McGregor collapsed to the canvas, clearly in pain. The fight was halted, and Poirier was declared the winner via doctor stoppage due to McGregor’s injury. After the fight, McGregor made headlines by calling Poirier “a quitter” in his post-fight comments, which further added fuel to the fire of their rivalry.

The Aftermath: What Did the Injury Mean for McGregor?

McGregor’s leg break was a devastating blow to his career. Following the injury, it was revealed that he had suffered a fracture to his tibia, which would require surgery and a long recovery period. The incident raised questions about McGregor’s future in the sport, particularly given that he had been knocked out in his previous bout against Poirier.

For Poirier, the win solidified his position as one of the top fighters in the UFC lightweight division. Although it wasn’t the clean finish many fans had hoped for, Poirier’s victory kept him in the mix for a potential title shot against the reigning champion at the time, Charles Oliveira.

Key Undercard Fights at UFC 264

Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson: A Tactical Showdown One of the most exciting bouts on the UFC 264 card was the welterweight clash between Gilbert Burns and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. Burns, coming off a loss to Kamaru Usman in his bid for the welterweight title, faced a stylistic challenge in Wonderboy, one of the most skilled strikers in the division.

Burns was able to control the fight through superior grappling, taking Wonderboy down multiple times and winning a unanimous decision after three rounds. While Thompson’s striking was still impressive, it was Burns’ grappling that earned him the victory, reaffirming his place as a top contender in the welterweight division.

Tai Tuivasa vs. Greg Hardy: The Heavyweight Knockout

Another exciting fight on the UFC 264 undercard was the heavyweight bout between Tai Tuivasa and Greg Hardy. Tuivasa was coming off a string of knockout victories, while Hardy, the former NFL player, was looking to continue his rise in the UFC.

In a thrilling back-and-forth encounter, Tuivasa delivered a brutal knockout in the second round, showcasing his heavy hands and earning a Performance of the Night bonus. The fight ended with Tuivasa landing a perfectly timed right hook that sent Hardy crashing to the canvas, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Tuivasa’s victory solidified him as a rising star in the heavyweight division, and his post-fight celebration drinking a shoe quickly became a viral moment, reflecting his fun-loving persona.

Irene Aldana vs. Yana Kunitskaya: A Competitive Battle

In the women’s bantamweight division, Irene Aldana faced Yana Kunitskaya in a competitive bout that had significant implications for the title picture. Aldana displayed superior striking, particularly her ability to land clean punches, and won a unanimous decision. The win helped Aldana bounce back after a tough loss to Holly Holm earlier in 2020. With the victory, Aldana positioned herself as a potential future contender in the bantamweight division, eyeing a matchup with the champion, Amanda Nunes.

UFC 264: What the Fighters Said

Conor McGregor’s Post-Fight Comments Following the controversial end to the main event, McGregor took to social media to vent his frustration. Despite the injury, McGregor maintained that he would return to the octagon stronger than ever, calling the injury “just a bump in the road.” His comments were met with mixed reactions from fans and fighters alike, with some expressing sympathy and others criticizing his behavior following the loss. 

McGregor also took shots at Poirier, calling him a “quitter” despite losing the fight due to his own injury. The trash talk was typical of McGregor, who has built much of his career on his persona as the brash and confident fighter.

Dustin Poirier’s Reflections on the Win

For Poirier, the victory was bittersweet. Although he had earned a win in the trilogy, he knew that it wasn’t the result that most fans had hoped for. In interviews after the fight, Poirier expressed respect for McGregor but acknowledged that the fight had ended in an unfortunate way. Poirier also stated that he was focused on getting a title shot next, and while the McGregor trilogy was an important chapter in his career, he was determined to focus on the future.

Fan Reactions and Media Coverage

The impact of UFC 264 was felt far beyond the octagon. Social media exploded with reactions to the McGregor injury, with many fans expressing disappointment over the way the fight ended. The hashtag #UFC264 trended worldwide, with fans sharing their thoughts on McGregor’s future and Poirier’s dominant performance.

Media Coverage of UFC 264: A Mixed Bag

The media coverage of UFC 264 was extensive, with outlets ranging from sports websites to mainstream news networks covering the event. While most reports focused on McGregor’s injury, others delved into the performances of fighters on the undercard, particularly Tuivasa’s knockout and Burns’ tactical victory.

UFC 264’s Legacy and What’s Next for McGregor and Poirier

UFC 264 will forever be remembered for the dramatic conclusion to the trilogy between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. While it wasn’t the explosive finish fans were hoping for, the event’s significance cannot be understated. For McGregor, the future remains uncertain, with his recovery from injury being a major factor in his potential return to the octagon. For Poirier, the victory further cemented his status as one of the top lightweights in the world, with a potential title shot on the horizon. UFC 264 was more than just a fight, it was an event that captured the emotions and energy of mixed martial arts fans worldwide. As UFC continues to grow, events like UFC 264 remind us of the raw power and unpredictable nature of the sport.

FAQs

What happened in the McGregor vs. Poirier fight?

In their highly anticipated trilogy fight, Dustin Poirier defeated Conor McGregor via TKO in the first round. McGregor suffered a leg injury, which ultimately led to the fight being stopped. Poirier was awarded the win by doctor stoppage due to McGregor’s inability to continue, bringing the trilogy to an end with a 2-1 record in favor of Poirier.

Why did McGregor’s leg break at UFC 264?

Conor McGregor suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in the first round of the fight after stepping back from a punch. The injury occurred when McGregor’s leg appeared to snap when he put weight on it, resulting in the fight being stopped. McGregor underwent surgery afterward to repair the fracture.

What was the fight of the night at UFC 264?

The Fight of the Night bonus at UFC 264 was awarded to Tai Tuivasa and Greg Hardy for their exciting heavyweight bout. Tuivasa won the fight by knockout in the first round, and both fighters were praised for their aggressive and thrilling performance.

Did Conor McGregor retire after UFC 264?

After the fight, Conor McGregor did not retire, but he did take to social media to express his frustration. He vowed to return to the Octagon and continue fighting after recovering from his leg injury. McGregor’s future in the UFC was left uncertain at the time, but he hinted at wanting to fight again.

Was UFC 264 the last fight of Conor McGregor’s career?

As of now, UFC 264 is not the last fight of Conor McGregor’s career. Despite losing the trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, McGregor expressed his desire to come back stronger. His return is still anticipated, but no official date has been confirmed for his next fight.

In Summary

UFC 264 was one of the most thrilling and high-profile events in recent UFC history. The main event, featuring the highly anticipated trilogy fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, was filled with drama, with Poirier emerging victorious after McGregor suffered a devastating leg injury. The event also showcased impressive performances from fighters like Gilbert Burns, Tai Tuivasa, and Irene Aldana, who each earned bonuses for their exciting bouts.

Despite McGregor’s injury, UFC 264 solidified Dustin Poirier’s place as a top contender in the lightweight division and sparked discussions about the future of both McGregor and the UFC. With memorable moments, high stakes, and a passionate crowd, UFC 264 was a major chapter in the UFC’s ongoing legacy and set the stage for what’s to come in the world of mixed martial arts.

To read more, Click Here .