Daniel Cormier believes a lightweight rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier could pan out differently than their featherweight encounter.
The two men squared off for the first time in 2014, with both fighters still at featherweight.
McGregor finished ‘Diamond’ Poirier within two minutes of the first round, an outcome DC believes will not be as likely second time round.
The former UFC heavyweight champion said: “Dustin is big. He’s strong. When you’re cutting that massive amount of weight, sometimes your chin doesn’t hold up.
"And I think that was one of those cases that Conor landed a beautiful shot. But Dustin at that point… Was wearing his time at 145 out. How many times did he fight at 145 after Conor?”
Poirier moved up a division to lightweight following his defeat to the Irish star, and has since become an ever-present title contender at 155.
With both fighters appearing more comfortable at lightweight, DC can't predict a certain winner if the two were to face-off once again.
He said: “I don’t know how the fight plays out today. He’s more refreshed, right? He’s still cutting a lot of weight at 155. And we do know the kind of power that Conor possesses.
“I think it’s an interesting fight. I think it’s a much better fight today than it was back then- partly due to the fact that he’s not depleting himself so much to get to 145.”
Both men are coming off the back of victories, momentum will not be a problem for either if the match-up was to be made.
The 'Notorious One' stopped Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone within 40 seconds of the first round back in January, while Poirier picked up a decision victory over Dan Hooker on Sunday.
The two rivals are both eyeing up a potential title rematch with reigning UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who will face new interim champ Justin Gaethje in September.
Poirier faced the undefeated champ for the unified lightweight title in September last year.
The Louisiana-born fighter was the interim champion at the time, but was unable to get past the seemingly unstoppable Russian as he was submitted in the third round.
McGregor, although recently 'retired', may just make a return to the octagon should an opportunity to avenge his memorable loss to 'The Eagle' in 2018 present itself.
