Not that it’s likely to happen, given both fighters are under UFC contract, but lightweight stars Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier have verbally agreed, on social media, to a charity fight.
The news comes as McGregor is reportedly in talks with Manny Pacquaio’s camp regarding a boxing superfight. And after the Irish star leaked private messages between himself and UFC President Dana White regarding potential fights for the former double champ.
McGregor pitched everything from a fight with Diego Sanchez to a more reasonable bout with Justin Gaethje. Apparently, White wasn’t interested, at least not in the time frame, as McGregor was looking to fight in May. White, on the other hand, wanted him to compete during International Fight Week. Of course, all this was prior to the coronavirus pandemic. White subsequently suggested McGregor could be out until fans return to arenas, which would likely require a vaccine for the virus — something that could be as far off as 2024.
In any case, McGregor (22-4) has offered to donate half a million dollars to Poirier’s Good Fight Foundation in a bout that would have “zero to do with the UFC.”
Hey bro! You want to do an MMA charity fight? Zero to do with the ufc. I will donate half a mill towards your charity for it. Sell it on ppv or work a tv deal and we work out other charities that are close to my heart also. I am engaged in many.
Strictly a charity “exhibition”— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 29, 2020
Both Porier and McGregor have been heavily involved in charitable efforts. Poirier’s foundation contributes to numerous causes, while McGregor has donated to help the homeless in his native Ireland, and to assist in the fight against the coronavirus, as well as giving $1 million from sales of his whiskey, Proper 12, to 9/11 first responders.
Excellent! We shall take it offline and progress the process from here. Good man Dustin! I respect your philanthropic efforts greatly, as well as how you conducted yourself post our first fight. You have my respect!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 29, 2020
McGregor suggested a December 12 date in Ireland, open weight, under Unified MMA rules. To which Poirier replied “I’m in. Let’s do it.”
With both fighters under contract even a charity fight remains iffy. However, it is not unprecedented. In 2017, Diego Sanchez “lost” a fight to Isaac Marquez, an athlete with Downs Syndrome. Dana White reportedly approved Sanchez’s involvement.
McGregor and Poirier (26-6, 1NC) first fought in 2015, in a featherweight bout. McGregor won the fight via first round TKO.
