Former UFC champion Conor McGregor will take on Dustin Poirer in the main event of UFC 257 at the Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday. UFC 257 will also see the debut of former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, who will fight Dan Hooker for the co-main event.

Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirer

The biggest name in the world of Mix Martial Arts, Conor, will fight Poirer for the second time, after knocking him out in UFC UFC 178 in 2014. The situation is, however, different this time. Conor has fought only twice since 2016, one being the loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov and the other being the knockout win against Donald Cerrone, according to MMA Mania.

Also read: Dustin Poirier banks on his experience, empty stadium to beat Conner McGregor at UFC 257

Poirer on the other hand, has evolved immensely since their last fight and has beaten top-class fighters such as Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. Having said that, it is impossible to write off Conor, and this time too, he is the favourite to win. If he finds his rhythm, then it would be tough for Poirer. If Poirer survives the first three rounds, then he would have an advantage due to better conditioning. 

Michael Chandler vs Dan Hooker

While many consider this debut of Chandler as rather uncertain, Hooker is undoubtedly a worthy opponent. Chandler has won eight of his last ten, while Hooker, who is currently ranked No. 6 at 155 pounds, won consecutive “Fight of the Night” bonuses opposite Paul Felder and Poirier.

While Hooker has shown in a few his last fights that he has gotten better at defending takedowns, Chandler’s wrestling skills are on a different level. This fight looks to be a hard fought contest.

Joanne Calderwood vs Jesica Eye

Both the fighters would be eyeing to win this fight in order to get a chance at fighting Valentina Shevchenko for the belt. While Calderwood is coming off a loss to Jennifer Maia, Eye, who turns 35 this year, would look at this as one of the last few opportunities she has for a crack at UFC gold.

The other main cards of the event are Andrew Sanchez vs Makhmud Muradov and Amanda Ribas vs Marina Rodriguez.