CONOR McGREGOR is ‘already harassing everybody’ for an immediate rematch with Dustin Poirier, his head coach John Kavanagh has revealed.
But, if the UFC superstar is denied a trilogy fight with Poirier, it could see McGregor drift into boxing as an alternative.
Conor McGregor is ‘already harassing everybody’ for an immediate rematch with Dustin PoirierCredit: Getty Images – Getty
John Kavanagh said Conor McGregor is training again already Credit: Sportsfile – Subscription
Kavanagh told ESPN: “He’s already harassing everybody to get the rematch.
“We would love the rematch. I don’t think Dustin is against that. If we could get the rematch before the summer, that’d be amazing.
“If it’s not to be, I guess I don’t really know. Maybe he drifts off into the boxing.”
Before McGregor’s devastating second round knockout defeat, he revealed talks were intensifying between himself and Manny Pacquiao.
But after losing by knockout for the first time in his UFC career, the Irishman is facing doubts over where his next move lies.
Those same questions were posed when he was beaten for the first time in the UFC by Nate Diaz in March 2016.
McGregor responded emphatically, avenging defeat five months later to redeem himself, even closing out the year by winning the lightweight title.
Coach Kavanagh revealed there has been a similar response from the southpaw star, who first KO’d Poirier in 2014.
The head trainer believes it sets the 32-year-old pair up perfectly for a trilogy decider, with the title on the line following Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement.
Kavanagh said: “Dustin v Conor 3 for the belt, in May or something like that; wouldn’t that be amazing?
“We’re 1-1. We gave him the rematch after the first win, and I hope he returns the sentiment.”
McGregor’s last loss came in 2018, a bitter submission against arch rival Nurmagomedov, 32.
After that, the former two-weight champion had just 40 seconds in the cage before returning at UFC 257 on Fight Island.
McGregor pointed to the inactivity as a sticking point in his performance as well as the brutal calf kicks Poirier dished out.
Conor McGregor was beaten in round two by Dustin Poirier Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Conor McGregor was knocked out for the first time in the UFC Credit: Getty Images – Getty
It left him unable to walk properly and even needing a crutch immediately after the fight.
But, Kavanagh reassured fans McGregor is recovering well and has even began training again.
He revealed: “The leg is OK.
“There’s no serious damage. The peroneal nerve that runs down on that side of the leg, which was kicked a number of times, was completely dead.
“And then the leg started filling up with blood as well, so he couldn’t move on it all.
“But as of today, he’s in good form. He did a very tough workout this morning.”
John Kavanagh provides update on Conor McGregor after disappointing UFC 257 defeat
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
