theScore
McGregor's rise
Conor McGregor's confidence was at an all-time high when he faced Dustin Poirier on Sept. 27, 2014. He was 3-0 in the UFC, one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in years, and he was about to be one of the main attractions on a pay-per-view card.
Josh Hedges / Getty
hostility
The bad blood between McGregor and Poirier made their clash one of the most-anticipated fights at UFC 178. They traded insults for months, and Poirier didn't think McGregor was ready for the step up in competition.
Brandon Magnus / Getty
hotel run-in 😡
Remember when Conor and Dustin met for the first time? 😳 [ #UFC264 | July 10 | Live on E+ PPV: https://t.co/DZxtGSW1O2 ]
easy work 👏
In the end, McGregor barely broke a sweat, knocking out Poirier in the first round.
UFC 178: Conor McGregor rocked Dustin Poirier to get a first round win...💥 UFC 257: McGregor to win by 1st Round KO/TKO: +200
conor mcgregor
by the numbers
Josh Hedges / Getty
I said I'd knock him out in the first round. ... You can call me 'Mystic Mac,' because I predict these things.
McGregor discussing KO win vs. Poirier
(UFC)
Jeff Bottari / Getty
Jeff Bottari / Getty
Taking the UFC by storm
McGregor moved to No. 5 in the featherweight division, and the KO of Poirier put him one win away from his first crack at UFC gold in 2015.
Jeff Bottari / Getty