CONOR McGREGOR promised to put on a 'clinic' and finish Dustin Poirier early – which he fears could scare Khabib Nurmagomedov away from a rematch.
McGregor, who beat Poirier in 2014, will rematch the American in the UFC 257 headliner on Saturday.
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The Irishman has already predicted a 60 second knockout this time around, having won the first fight inside two minutes.
But he challenged Poirier to withstand the onslaught and see who comes on stronger later in the fight.
McGregor told BT Sport: "I’m going to put on a flawless performance, an absolute clinic.
"I’ve never been more confident in my endurance than I am now.
"Dustin and his teammate take a bit of disrespect from me saying I’m going to take him out in 60 seconds, it works both ways.
"If you can last through the drama I’m about to bring to you, we will see what you’re about and who has the endurance.
"I’m excited all across the board, I’m confident. All my skill are on fire at the minute."
The winner on Fight Island is primed for a lightweight title shot next and the chance to convince Khabib Nurmagomedov out of retirement.
Nurmagomedov – who beat McGregor in 2018 – still holds the belt, despite hanging up the gloves in October.
UFC president Dana White confirmed unbeaten Khabib will come back for one final fight, should a lightweight contender impress him enough to do so.
Nurmagomedov retired one fight after the loss of his influential father and mentor Abdulmanap, who died in July.
But McGregor reckons his great rival will decide against making a return, and insisted the Russian is avoiding a rematch.
He said: "It sounded like a no, it seemed like a no to me, which is what it is.
"He doesn't want to get in there with me, that's for damn sure. You can see it all over him.
"It is what it is, I like the landscape at the minute. I'm not really focussed on him, although I want that rematch, of course, there is plenty of great fights."
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