Conor McGregor predicted that he would knock out Dustin Poirier in 60 seconds in their rematch.

‘Mystic Mac’ has made some great predictions before, so most of us thought that he could really make good again.

Poirier ate a lot of big shots, but unlike many of McGregor’s previous opponents, kept on fighting. He achieved the most important finish of his career so far after messing up McGregor’s lead leg.

McGregor admitted in his post fight press conference that damage was accumulated over time on from Poirier’s calf kicks, not just one big hit in the second round that killed his leg. He also agreed that his inactivity did not help him.

“I’ll adopt a different approach I feel with Dustin because you know those leg kicks are not to be messed with,” said McGregor. “That calf kick, the low calf kick, I’ve never experienced that and I just… It was a good one so it’s not like I’ve not got the style in me to switch it up and keep that at bay.”

Conor also said that he felt a bit weird because he wasn’t as disappointed in the result as he may have been in the past. He said he was happy to be just be able to compete again.

“I’m a different man, for sure. The competitive fire is still in me, and I will adjust and regroup and come back. You know, I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again.”

It seems like he still wants to fight, but the question is whether or not he still really has the fire for it.

The man has made all of his money, reportedly scoring over $100 million from his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. alone. He also claimed to have made $80 million from his fight with Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. Add that to what he’s going to make from today’s loss, and his other ten UFC main events, and it’s likely that McGregor is set for life if he is mildly careful with his finances.

Having that security can certainly make someone complacent, and who can blame them? When the struggle to make it and set your family up is over, that’s one major incentive gone.

I think the Irishman is going to come back. In one telling sequence with a journalist, McGregor seemed to show that he has no interest in disappearing quite just yet.

When asked about who he thinks would win the probably title fight between Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier, he responded by saying that he didn’t know. Just after that, though, he quickly told the reporter not to write him off just yet.

Let me be clear. I will not take anything away from Poirier. He had a hell of a game plan, executed it perfectly, and waited patiently for his opportunity to hit a trademark flurry. He also survived big shots that have knocked out lesser men, and was even jawing with McGregor in the octagon.

He deserved his win, earned his money, and hopefully he can get a good shot at the lightweight title again. He did also express interest in a rubber match with McGregor, which makes a lot of sense. Any sane fighter in the UFC knows that, win or lose, getting into the octagon with McGregor is a guaranteed huge payday.

For now, McGregor will lick his wounds, accept the flak that he’s going to get on social media, and then plan his next move.

I’m personally one of that people that always roots against the Irishman, but I also respect all that he’s achieved with his career. At 32, he’s still got a good few years left in him. 

All I know is that I’ll never miss a Conor McGregor fight, and truly hope that he comes back and fights again. He’s got two potential rubber matches with Poirier and Nate Diaz, and likely a lot of other options.

He lost, fair and square. Now let’s allow the man to deal with it and hope that he comes back for another rodeo.