World reacts as Dustin Poirier KOs Conor McGregor with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s savage reply

Despite talking up a win in less than 60 seconds, Conor McGregor has lasted less than two rounds as Dustin Poirier stunned the world with an incredible KO of the UFC’s biggest name.

Taking the centre stage at Fight Island, McGregor’s second fight in two years — and third fight in four years — after a 40 second KO of Donald Cerrone had the world expecting the Irishman to fall right back into old habits.

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With 19 KOs in his 22 wins, McGregor is a renowned knockout artist and few gave Poirier much of a chance to win, let alone beat McGregor at his own game.

Poirier took McGregor down early and then clinched with McGregor early as the pair fought up close and personal.

It’s not McGregor’s style as Poirier came to the fight with a clear plan and it paid off.

He kept McGregor down until late in the first round when they got some space and the Irishman could throw some punches.

Poirier’s kick troubled McGregor as he complained post-fight about his calf.

By early in the second, McGregor’s leg was dead and he said as much post-fight.

Conor McGregor did get some licks in.Source:Getty Images

While they fought with space, Poirier was clearly ready to go toe-to-toe with The Notorious and beat him at his own game as the pair threw fists until Poirier threw in a kick and followed up with punches, leaving McGregor dazed, before he went in for the kill with McGregor up against the cage.

After announcing his retirement for the third time in between fights last year, the internet erupted with speculation that this might be the real end.

It’s not often that McGregor could get beaten at his own game but after being choked out by Khabib Nurmagomedov in his only fight in 2018 and now being KO‘ed for the first time in his career.

Poirier’s wife Jolie yelled: “We told you, that’s the last time you’re going to doubt my husband. Swear to god.”

Poirier even offered an olive branch to McGregor, saying they could go for the trilogy fight now it’s 1-all.

“Conor took this result very professionally, he’s a pro, nothing but respect, we’re one and one, maybe we’ll have to do this again,” he said.

Commentator Jon Arik told McGregor he was “the epitome of class” to stick around and speak post-fight but the 32-year-old was clearly devastated by the loss.

This is what her husband did to McGregor.Source:FOX SPORTS

“It’s hard to overcome long periods of inactivity. The leg kicks were good, the leg was dead. I just wasn’t as comfortable as I need to be,” McGregor said.

“It’s the inactivity and that’s it. Dustin is some fighter. I have to dust it off and come back and that’s what I’ll do.

Asked if he’s coming back, McGregor unequivocally said: “I need activity.”

“You don’t get away with being inactive in this business and that’s it,” he said.

“I’ll take me licks. I’m gutted man, I put a lot of work in.

“Well done, Dustin, one-on-one, good man. It’s a tough one to swallow. We’ll get to go again, I’ll go home to my kids and chill for a bit and regroup.”

As bitter a pill as it would be for McGregor, Khabib twisted the knife even further with a brutal message post fight.

This is what happened, when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality.

The sporting world was floored by the result.

Poirier stunned the world.Source:Getty Images

ESPN radio host Brad Gilmore was floored by the result, writing: “Once Dustin started landing those leg kicks, Conor’s right leg looked dead out there. His evasiveness went out the window and got caught with a great series from The Diamond. This ends the reign of McGregor for good in my mind.”

Sports Illustrated’s Fernando Ramirez praised Poirier’s work tweeting: “Dustin Poirier with great strategy tonight. Leg kicks and finishes it off with boxing. Great victory for him.”

I can’t believe what I have just seen, I am so shocked. I thought mcgregor would have this one, but I’m sure he will be back

Omg!!! And y’all crazy talking about McGregor need to retire after this L, trippin.

Damn…

Respect to @DustinPoirier.

And while @TheNotoriousMMA is far from humble in victory, he is undeniably classy AF in defeat. #UFC257

McGregor looked terrible. Slow, hesitant, I’m so confused.

WOW!! Dustin Poirier just knocked Conor McGregor all the way out in the 2nd round.

Too much hype behind Conor.

He damn sure isn’t getting a rematch with Khabib.

I’d never thought id see mcgregor lose in a stand up

Is this the end of McGregor? Time will tell but clearly the Irish star’s humanity is showing after his past few fights.

But it leaves two clear paths for the former UFC double champ — come back for a Rocky Balboa style return to the top, or stay down on the canvas.

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