Getty Commentator Joe Rogan (L) interviews UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor during his weigh-in for UFC 202 at MGM Grand Conference Center on August 19, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
MMA superstar Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon this month didn’t go as planned for the Irishman as he lost to Dustin Poirier by second-round TKO during UFC 257. January 23 marked McGregor’s first fight in a year and a victory would have propelled him to a lightweight title shot.
However, “Notorious” is heading back to the drawing board and MMA fans have been speculating about who he will fight next. After losing to Poirier, McGregor confirmed he wants to get back into the cage later this year.
On January 25, McGregor’s head coach John Kavanagh spoke with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani and confirmed Notorious’ interest in fighting Poirier again before the summer. It would be a trilogy match, with both fighters holding a TKO victory over the other.
UFC color commentator Joe Rogan recently gave his take on McGregor’s next step, saying a trilogy fight with Nate Diaz would be “an excellent option.” During episode No. 1603 of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan said Poirier versus No. 3 ranked Charles Oliveira makes sense next from the perspective of an MMA purist.
And Rogan sees McGregor vs. Diaz 3 being an appropriate matchup for the Irishman. Speaking with former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub, Rogan said via SportsKeeda.com:
Well, Conor vs. Nate Diaz is an excellent option. It’s an excellent option because that doesn’t offend anyone, give him some time off. It doesn’t offend anyone and Nate is not the kind of kicker that Dustin is, he’s much more of a boxer. It falls into Conor’s wheelhouse more and Nate is also insanely durable, and Nate also has a finish over Conor. Conor does not have a finish over Nate.
The UFC color commentator also mentioned McGregor versus No. 4 ranked Michael Chandler as a possible bout. Watch the clip below:
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Rogan Reacted to Poirier’s Victory Over McGregor After the Fight
Rogan was not a part of the broadcast team for UFC 257 on January 23. The event took place in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Rogan, who has been with the UFC for over two decades, does not commentate fight cards outside of the USA and only works during pay-per-view events.
Nonetheless, the comedian and podcaster took to social media to react to Poirier’s victory over McGregor.
“A tremendous congratulations to @dustinpoirier for his spectacular victory last night,” Rogan wrote after Poirier’s win. “At 155 he is absolutely one of the most fierce fighters on earth, and if Khabib really is retired for my money Dustin is the uncrowned champ!”
Rogan Wil Likely Work During UFC 258 on February 13
The next event fans will likely hear Rogan’s voice during a fight card is UFC 258 on February 13.
UFC 258 is headlined by welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and No. 2 ranked Gilbert Burns. The fight has been months in the making as the two were supposed to compete in July 2020, however “Durinho” pulled out after contracting COVID-19 and was replaced by Jorge Masvidal.