Conor McGregor shows off ripped physique in new snap ahead of Poirier bout

Conor McGregor looks to be in the best shape of his MMA career, with just over a month to go until his rubber match against Dustin Poirier scheduled for UFC 264 in July.

After spending the last few months travelling, the Irishman is now based at Straight Blast Gym in Ireland. Working with long-time boxing coach Owen Roddy, McGregor shared a series of photos going through a pad-work routine and as the trilogy bout draws closer, McGregor seems to be taking the bout extremely seriously.

The Notorious was defeated by long-time rival Poirier at UFC 257 in January earlier this year via second-round knockout. After a closely contested first-round, the Americans investment in leg kicks early on paid off as McGregor slowed down and was knocked out in brutal fashion.

Poirier’s victory levelled the score between the two men at one apiece, following McGregor’s 2014 victory via first-round knockout.

Both men have become dramatically different fighters since then and while McGregor has become one of the highest-earning athletes on the planet, Poirier has become a fan favourite and one of the UFC’s pound-for-pound best.

Who do you think will win the trilogy fight between McGregor and Poirier? Let us know in the comments below.

A winner of the rubber match is almost guaranteed a title shot in the UFC’s lightweight division. Brazil’s Charles Oliveira is the current champion, following his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 262.

While Oliveira is an excellent fighter, both McGregor and Poirier would likely be the betting favourite against the Brazilian.

UFC 264 takes place on July 10 at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada and is shaping up to be a brilliant night of fights. Alongside McGregor vs. Poirier III, a welterweight clash between Gilbert Burns and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is slated to feature in the co-main event slot.

Sean O’Malley and Kevin Lee are also expected to make their highly anticipated returns, facing Louis Smolka and Sean Brady respectively, and disgraced former NFL player Greg Hardy will make his ninth walk to the UFC octagon against fan favourite Tai Tuivasa in a heavyweight showdown.

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