UFC 178: Conor McGregor says he has psyched-out Dustin Poirier in fight build-up

‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor claims: “I believe he was timid, I believe he was afraid and I believe he was broken” after meeting upcoming opponent Dustin Poirier in Las Vegas.

The Irish maverick, a showman inside and out of the cage, fights Poirier on September 27 at UFC 178 and believes he has the upper hand after last week’s publicity event.

“When you go face-to-face with a man and they become timid and bow down before you it’s no problem,” McGregor told Sky Sports about a face-off with Poirier in the MGM Grand lobby in front of fans.

“I believe when we came face-to-face he was a shell of himself. I must be a scary looking man because when I look at these guys, they crumble.

“He didn’t enjoy being around me. I believe he was timid, I believe he was afraid and I believe he was broken.

“I felt great, victorious, confident. Business was attended to in Vegas.”

Big dogs

The 26-year-old Dubliner was scheduled to compete underneath pound-for-pound king Jon Jones at the event until the latter's injury withdrawal, meaning McGregor is now tasked with handling extra fanfare.

He added: “They know who the big dogs are, they know who’s bringing the numbers in. It’s no secret why I’m here.

“Let’s take that handsome Irish guy that brings in the numbers on one of the biggest cards of the year and blow it out of the water – that’s what they’ve done.”

Let’s take that handsome Irish guy that brings in the numbers on one of the biggest cards of the year and blow it out of the water – that’s what they’ve done.

His Sin City opponent, Poirier, could have met him in the cage at UFC Dublin last month when Cole Miller pulled out injured, according to McGregor.

“Dustin and Cole are training partners in the same gym so when Cole pulled out of a main-event slot – a huge card, the fastest-selling, a big, big event as the UFC returned to Ireland – Dustin kept quiet.

“He was afraid. When the fight with Diego Brandao was announced Dustin opens his mouth again like a brave man.

“Then during the fight with Diego he spoke on Twitter and guess what happens – he got what he wished for. Now he’s quiet as a mouse. Silence. He bowed before me.

“He spoke a lot on Twitter like a brave man because he wanted to fight and now it’s presented itself it’s a different story. Be careful what you wish for, as they say.”

McGregor views Poirier as a mere obstacle in his path but, despite a heated face-off in Vegas, wishes no ill will.

“Business is never personal but it can be cruel and ruthless. I believe I’ll crack Dustin early, he’ll wobble, and I’ll put him away in the first round.

“When it’s all said and done I’ll pat Dustin on the head.”