Conor McGregor has accepted a UFC bout against Lafayette native Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier, and wants the fight to be at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

McGregor took to Twitter to accept a January 23rd, 2021 date for a bout with Poirier.

A contractual agreement for the fight has not officially taken place yet, according to ESPN's Ariel Helwani.

McGregor had previously stated he wanted the fight to take place in 2020, while the UFC propositioned the January 23rd, 2021 date for a fight with Poirier.

McGregor and Poirier have been exchanging pleasantries on social media the last few weeks, with McGregor proposing a televised MMA sparring exhibition match to Poirier on Twitter, suggesting the two fight for charity, promising he'd donate $500,000 to The Good Fight Foundation, a charity founded by Poirier and his wife Jolie.

The UFC responded with interest in making the fight happen under their umbrella, but on the January 23rd date.

Whether the bout will happen at AT&T Stadium is unknown at this time, but would be a good venue for several reasons.

The stadium is big enough to host fans with a safe social distancing protocol. The Dallas Cowboys typically host 90,000+ fans for a home game.

However, due to COVID-19, this season they're averaging 21,708 for home games.

21,708 would big a big number for a UFC event, adding to a potential big payday for both fighters.

Poirier appeared on Ariel Helwani of ESPN's MMA podcast yesterday, answering questions about a potential match with Conor McGregor, his charity goals, and more.

"A win over Conor keeps my career trajectory upward," said Poirier about a potential fight with McGregor. "A (potential) title fight after that (would likely follow)."

Poirier also spoke to Helwani about the ultimate vision for his charity, The Good Fight Foundation.

"A goal of mine with the charity, which we haven't moved on yet because we need big funding, would be to open a gym on the side of town I grow up on," said Poirier. "(We'd) have a youth combat club there. Boxing. Mixed martial arts. Jiu-Jitsu. Something to get the kids off the streets and somewhere to go after school. The tuition would be good grades or improved grades."

Poirier wrestled at Northside high and became involved in MMA in his teens.

"For me personally, combat sports has changed my life, " Poirier said passionately. "Not just financially, but my outlook on life, the respect I have, and a lot of things. It's good for kids on that side of town who are in tough situations to get involved."

A $500,000 donation from McGregor would go a long way to getting Poirier's vision of a combat sports gym for the youth off the ground.

McGregor has maintained he will come through on his donation promise.

Poirier has made it a point to give back to the Lafayette community.

Most recently, his foundation donated 1000 meals to the employees of three major Lafayette hospitals during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Poirier and McGregor fought 6 years ago at UFC 178, with McGregor winning in via TKO.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Iconic Pro Wrestling Venues In Louisiana

 

 

 

More From 97.3 The Dawg