To some, hype is money; to others, talk is cheap. Reality will come full circle on Saturday night as UFC featherweights Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier settle their version of this debate, and close observers believe it will not be a pretty scene.
McGregor continues to raise the bar when it comes to self-promotion — the charismatic Irishman has already mastered the art of marketing and selling his bouts. The unfortunate byproduct is disdain from many of his peers.
On the flip side, Poirier, a man of few words, is your prototypical no-nonsense mixed martial artist whose talking is done inside the Octagon. He could care less about fame and glamour, focusing more on the final result and what it takes it move closer to competing for UFC gold.
The matchup between “The Notorious” and “The Diamond” is surrounded by a variety of story lines, with much of the focus on whether McGregor is the real deal or whether he simply in over his head against an established talent like Poirier.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Watch UFC 178 prelims Saturday on Sportsnet 360 starting at 8 p.m. EST
The American, who was one of the main subjects in the critically acclaimed documentary “Fightville,” is riding a three-fight win streak and is 11-2 in his last fourteen bouts while finishing five opponents in the process.
Despite being considered a slow starter, Poirier once told me he needs to get hit before he truly wakes up and realizes it’s “go time.” The often used metaphor is only partially true, however, as veterans like Poirier are always ready to tangle with their opposition.
But his opponent on Saturday night is a methodical striker, often wasting no time when it comes to setting the pace in a fight. McGregor is a psychological genius when it comes to the art of mental warfare. He first tries to get into his opponent’s head weeks in advance, continues it during fight week and at the official weigh-ins, then immediately when the referee signals for the action to begin.
The pride of Ireland is angling for a title shot, one he not only believes is a lock but one (that he has informed anyone willing to listen) that’s guaranteed to sell out a stadium in Ireland, no matter who the champion may be, when it’s his turn to challenge for the title.
He is selling the fact that Poirier is just a formality, “a pea head” who will line his pocket book and bank account en route to his eventual title fight. While many balk at this insinuation, they are paying attention none the less.
From a distance, and as the space between them begins to shorten, Poirier has remained relatively calm, albeit agitated at times with McGregor’s words and actions. Poirier cannot be bullied; he can only be annoyed, which further fuels his motivation to “teach this new guy a lesson.”
Aside from all the talk and predictions, the only way to settle the score is in the cage at the MGM Grand Garden and Arena.
Taking a look at what the two of accomplished in the past, we can forecast what may take place when they finally square off.
Reed Khun, author of “Fightnomics,” states that, “McGregor really is as good on paper as the hype suggests. His striking has been very high paced, accurate, and also powerful. And he’s managed all that offensively while maintaining tight defence.”
Kuhn compared the two 145-pounders, along with the rest of the strikers on the card, in a chart that answered the question “who is the most accurate striker at UFC 178?”
His final thought regarding “The Notorious” was this: “Although his opponent Dustin Poirier is right there next on the list, expect McGregor’s defence and power to be the difference in the otherwise technical exchanges.”
A further look into the stats shows that both have similar experience, but the American has competed against higher level opposition. But despite the smaller sample size, McGregor has a higher percentage with his takedowns and has better takedown defence; Poirier has the higher submission attempts per bout.
It is a matchup that is much closer than people believe, but one that will have the MMA world buzzing on Saturday night. It will only intensify as the week goes on, bubbling over when they are finally locked into the cage.
The only downside to this bout is that it is scheduled for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Whether you believe talk is cheap or the hype is real, one thing is certain: The truth will finally rear its head at UFC 178. McGregor will either fall off the ladder or catapult up the rankings. And his future will be determined by how cool, calm, clear and collected Poirier is on Saturday night.