Dustin Poirier has addressed his recent spat with Conor McGregor ahead of this summer's trilogy clash in Las Vegas, conceding he was wrong to go public with his frustrations.
The pair, set to meet in the headline bout at UFC 264 on July 10, became embroiled in a heated Twitter exchange this week when Poirier responded to McGregor's fight prediction by claiming the Irishman had not kept his word on donating to his charity.
1-1 July 10th we will settle the score! Excited for the Trilogy with @TheNotoriousMMA but wanted to address this first. pic.twitter.com/03GaPPSfeH
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) April 14, 2021
McGregor, a two-division UFC champion, had promised in the build-up to his rematch against the American at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi in January that he would contribute $500,000 to Poirier's The Good Fight Foundation. However, Poirier then stated that McGregor and his team had cut off communication. Both McGregor and manager Audie Attar contested the claim, with the former then declaring the much-anticipated encounter with Poirer was off.
Yet, on Wednesday, the UFC announced the bout was set to headline the promotion's return to capacity events in Las Vegas, with the T-Mobile Arena expected to welcome 20,000 fans to UFC 264.
Let’s settle it in the Octagon… #UFC264: 💎 @DustinPoirier vs 🇮🇪 @TheNotoriousMMA 3
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2021
Pre-register for tickets: https://t.co/Hy57WJ5MQ3 pic.twitter.com/6VwrQbmqRx
Taking to Twitter later that day to convey his excitement that the trilogy was officially on, Poirier also said: “I am very passionate about my charity as you all know. I jumped the gun and took my private matters between Conor and my foundation public. My mistake, we live, we learn. Spreading positivity and doing good is my goal.
“I feel like I have brought a negative energy and personal opinions into something I am working so hard on that gives people a reason to cheer and smile. I will take this in stride and continue to fight the good fight! New goal coming soon and it is a big one. Thank you to all who is involved and all the supporters who believe in our vision.”
McGregor, who has become known for his philanthropic work, is currently in Dubai with his family. The former featherweight and lightweight champion defeated Poirier in their first bout via first-round TKO, at UFC 178 in 2014, before losing by second-round TKO in Abu Dhabi in January. It marked McGregor's first loss by knockout in his 27-fight professional career.
