Conor McGregor punch stats shed light on Dustin Poirier defeat

Conor McGregor is widely regarded as one of the best strikers on the UFC roster, but was out-struck by Dustin Poirier before his knockout defeat on Saturday night.

McGregor started the fight well, landing a few straight left hands and right hooks to unsettle Poirier, who used his superior wrestling ability to his advantage.

But despite being regarded as one of the best strikers in MMA at the moment, McGregor was somewhat outclassed in the stand-up game before being knocked out by the American.

According to the official fight stats, Poirier significantly bettered McGregor with regards to significant strikes.

Dustin Poirier had a perfect fight plan to beat Conor McGregor (GETTY)

Poirier landed 52% of his significant strikes compared to McGregor’s 43%, with the latter landing just 29 significant strikes compared to Poirier’s 48.

Despite having a 2in reach advantage, McGregor was unable to take advantage. Poirier landed 46 significant strikes at the distance, compared to McGregor’s 27.

The tale of the fight was Poirier’s leg kicks, however, with ‘The Diamond’ utilising his calf kicks to disable McGregor and prevent him from leading off his right leg.

Dustin Poirier significantly out-landed Conor McGregor (GETTY)

By the start of the second round, McGregor was nearly limping as a result of Poirier’s relentless leg kick strategy. McGregor attempted two leg kicks himself, but Poirier landed a whopping 18 and clearly had the advantage.

And due to his lack of movement, the Irishman was a sitting duck for Poirier to pick him off with some sublime punch combinations.

Speaking afterwards, McGregor vowed to get back in the gym and return as soon as possible, expressing he felt his inactivity was a reason behind the defeat.

The Irishman was fighting for just the second time since October 2018, and the rust was clear for all to see as he was confidently beaten by Poirier, who has fought three times since in the same period.

"I need activity," McGregor said. "You don’t get away with being inactive in this business and that’s the way it is.

"That low calf kick was very good. That leg was dead, man... Dustin is some fighter. I have to dust it off and come back. And what's what I will do."