UFC 264, held on July 10, 2021, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, was one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, largely due to the main event: the trilogy fight between Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier and “The Notorious” Conor McGregor. This event not only delivered high-octane action but also a dramatic and somewhat controversial conclusion that left fans and analysts buzzing for weeks. This article will delve into the key aspects of UFC 264, addressing the questions that dominated discussions online and providing a comprehensive overview of the night’s events.
The Buildup: A Trilogy of Bad Blood
The rivalry between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor was anything but new heading into UFC 264. Their first encounter took place at UFC 178 in September 2014, a featherweight bout where McGregor secured a first-round TKO victory. Seven years later, in January 2021 at UFC 257, the pair met again, this time as lightweights. Poirier avenged his earlier loss with a decisive second-round TKO, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rubber match to settle the score.
The buildup to UFC 264 was intense, filled with the characteristic trash talk and psychological warfare that McGregor is known for. Poirier, however, remained composed, focusing on his preparation and the goal of definitively proving himself the better fighter. The animosity between the two fighters was palpable, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.
The Main Event: Poirier vs. McGregor III – A Gruesome Ending
The main event lived up to the hype in terms of action, albeit ending in a way no one truly predicted. The first round was a furious exchange, with both fighters having their moments. McGregor started aggressively with strikes, while Poirier responded with heavy leg kicks and grappling exchanges against the cage.
In the final seconds of the round, as McGregor threw a punch, his left leg buckled awkwardly. He fell to the canvas, and the round ended with Poirier landing ground strikes. Between rounds, the ringside doctor examined McGregor and deemed him unable to continue due to a broken lower tibia in his left leg, resulting in a TKO (doctor’s stoppage) victory for Dustin Poirier at the end of Round 1.
The ending was met with a mix of shock, disappointment, and controversy. McGregor, still on the canvas, engaged in heated exchanges with Poirier and continued his verbal assault. The injury immediately became a major talking point, with speculation about when and how it occurred. Poirier suggested it might have happened earlier due to a checked kick, while UFC President Dana White later confirmed the lower tibia fracture.
The Aftermath: Questions and Future Implications
The aftermath of UFC 264 was dominated by discussions about McGregor’s injury and his future in the sport. While he underwent surgery and vowed to return to fighting, the timeline and potential impact of the injury on his performance remained uncertain.
Dustin Poirier, on the other hand, secured a significant victory, further cementing his status as a top lightweight contender. He would go on to face Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship later that year.
The event as a whole showcased a mix of exciting finishes and dominant performances, highlighting the depth and talent within the UFC roster. However, the unforgettable image of McGregor’s broken leg and the unsatisfying conclusion to the main event ultimately defined the narrative of UFC 264.
FAQs
What was UFC 264 and when did it take place?
UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). It occurred on July 10, 2021, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, United States. The event featured a trilogy bout between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor as the main event.
What was the result of the main event between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor?
Dustin Poirier defeated Conor McGregor via TKO (doctor stoppage) at the end of the first round. McGregor suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg after stepping back awkwardly, leading to the fight being stopped.
How did the fight between Poirier and McGregor unfold before the stoppage?
The first round was action-packed, with both fighters exchanging strikes. Poirier took McGregor down and landed significant ground-and-pound. McGregor attempted a guillotine choke but was unsuccessful. The fight ended when McGregor broke his leg while stepping back after throwing a punch.
What were the other notable fights and results at UFC 264?
Co-Main Event: Gilbert Burns defeated Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision (29-28 on all judges’ scorecards).
Heavyweight Bout: Tai Tuivasa knocked out Greg Hardy in the first round at 1:07.
Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Irene Aldana defeated Yana Kunitskaya via TKO in the first round at 4:35.
Bantamweight Bout: Sean O’Malley defeated Kris Moutinho via TKO in the third round at 4:33.
What was the attendance and revenue generated by UFC 264?
UFC 264 had an attendance of 20,062 fans and generated a gate revenue of $15,759,800. The event also achieved a pay-per-view buyrate of approximately 1.8 million.
Were there any controversies or notable moments during the event?
The main controversy was the ending of the main event due to McGregor’s injury, which left some fans unsatisfied. Additionally, McGregor made several inflammatory remarks towards Poirier and his wife during the post-fight interview.
What was the significance of the Poirier vs. McGregor trilogy?
The trilogy was significant as it was tied 1-1 before UFC 264. McGregor won the first bout in 2014 via TKO, and Poirier won the second in January 2021, also via TKO. The third fight was meant to settle the rivalry, but the injury led to an inconclusive ending.
What were the implications of the main event result for the lightweight division?
With the victory, Dustin Poirier positioned himself as the number one contender for the UFC Lightweight Championship, setting up a title fight against then-champion Charles Oliveira.
How did fans and fighters react to the event?
Reactions were mixed. Many praised Poirier’s performance, while others expressed disappointment over the anticlimactic ending due to injury. The event was still considered a success in terms of viewership and revenue.
What was the legacy of UFC 264 in the context of UFC history?
UFC 264 is remembered for its high-profile main event, significant pay-per-view buys, and the unfortunate injury to one of the sport’s biggest stars. It highlighted the unpredictable nature of MMA and the importance of fighter safety.
To conclude
UFC 264 was a landmark event in the world of mixed martial arts, drawing significant attention due to the high-stakes trilogy between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor. The event showcased the unpredictable nature of the sport, with McGregor’s injury leading to a controversial yet decisive victory for Poirier. Beyond the main event, the card featured several notable performances, including Gilbert Burns’ strategic win over Stephen Thompson, Tai Tuivasa’s explosive knockout of Greg Hardy, and Sean O’Malley’s striking showcase against Kris Moutinho.
The event’s success in terms of attendance and pay-per-view buys underscored the UFC’s ability to captivate audiences worldwide. However, it also sparked discussions about fighter safety and the physical toll of the sport. As the UFC continues to grow, events like UFC 264 serve as reminders of both the excitement and the inherent risks involved in mixed martial arts.
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