McGregor will use Poirier tactics vs Pacquiao with fight ‘almost certain’

Conor McGregor vs Manny Pacquiao is ‘almost certain’ to go ahead in 2021 with contract talks ongoing.

The UFC megastar returns to the octagon to take on Dustin Poirier this weekend with one eye on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Lightweight title, but that isn’t the only bout on the horizon.

Talks between McGregor and Pacquiao were announced last year, despite the Irishman having four fights left on his deal with Dana White’s promotion.

However, the crossover bout is likely to be too lucrative to turn down, and is almost certain to enter the list of the 10 biggest pay-per-view events in history.

In addition, the former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion will be ready to take on Pacquiao with the same tactics that he hopes will see off Poirier on Fight Island.

McGregor told Sportsnet this week: "It's almost a certainty.

"I'm hearing there's contracts and all coming, you now what I mean? It's that close.

"I haven't spoke, but it should happen in 2021."

Before adding of his tactical plans: “I’m fighting Poirier who is a southpaw. Manny is a southpaw.

“I’ve been sparring professional southpaw boxers in the gym in preparation, not only for Dustin, but also in the back of my mind for Manny.”

The potential bout has been made easier because both men are represented by the same management company, with McGregor's boxing coach Phil Sutcliffe feeling confident.

He told ESPN MMA: “I’d like him to be in a boxing camp for at least two months, eight weeks. I mean, he's fit now, he's going to train straight after the fight. He's gonna take probably a week off.

“I told him take a week off. Don't worry, if he wants to take a week off, he can, then go straight back on the horse. We don't want him out galavanting too much.

“But he has to enjoy the win, he has to enjoy the win, enjoy the contest.”

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