McGregor Vs. Pacquiao Rumors: Irishman Using Poirier To Sharpen Self Against Southpaws

There is no telling what kind of condition UFC star Conor McGregor is in though he has time to whip himself back into shape. A clash with Manny Pacquiao in 2021 is looming large, especially after the Filipino boxing icon signed with Paradigm Sports Management recently.

In a previous post, it was mentioned how McGregor may have gotten more than he bargained for. Against Floyd Mayweather Jr., it was a test of stamina. With Pacquiao, it will be a test on how well he can dodge the fast punches of the eight-time division champion in the boxing ring.

Hence, the best approach for McGregor right now is to whip himself into shape. And there is perhaps no better way to go about it other than to face an opponent who fights southpaw. Dustin Poirier has emerged as a plausible opponent although it will still be a mixed martial arts encounter if ever UFC president Dana White does sanction it.

A rematch with Poirier has cropped up and the 31-year-old feels McGregor is interested in getting it done as he prepares for Pacquiao. Poirier made that conclusion when he appeared on "The Fight with Teddy Atlas."

And it appears his speculation was spot on. McGregor responded to the claim on Twitter with the Irishman revealing he wanted to sharpen his MMA skills with some tough competition while preparing for his boxing clash with the Filipino boxer-senator.

"Correct. Southpaw box style. Continue to sharpen my MMA skills with some tough competition, while leading into my Manny bout preparation," McGregor tweeted.

Considering it will be a mixed martial arts clash, using it to prepare for Pacquiao is a bit off. Though it would help build his endurance, it remains that it is still not a boxing match. Hence, there could be another reason why McGregor wants a rematch with Poirier.

Poirier is ranked behind Justin Gaethje and Khabib Nurmagomedov. A win over the 31-year-old fighter could catapult him in the rankings and set a date with either Gaethje or Nurmagomedov. Gaethje faces the Eagle on Oct. 24, a clash that could have implications.

So while McGregor is busy figuring out how to get back in shape, he may be silently trying to map out something big in the UFC as well.