LAS VEGAS, NEVADA---Perhaps the UFC is Conor McGregor's and we are just living in it! 

In a fight that was suppose to headline UFC Fight Night 76 in Dublin, Ireland, Dustin Poirier, whose last defeat came to current featherweight champion Conor McGregor, and Joe Duffy, the last man to hand McGregor a loss, faced-off in a very entertaining, exciting UFC 195 lightweight battle that went the distance. But who won? You will find out!

Round 1

Both coming out attacking, the two traded quick punches for the first 90 seconds, Poirier primarily when close and Duffy from a distance, until the Irishman Duffy cracked his opponent with a very nice right uppercut that led to Poirier against the side of the octagon. Faced with adversity early, the American ate a combination before escaping and absorbing multiple shots to the head and one to the body. It was clear "DP" was in trouble.

Despite being picked apart in the first half of Round 1, Poirier finally found great success in the clinch as he landed four clean punches to the chin of Duffy. With the opposition scrambling away, Poirier bloodied the nose with two strong rights that transitioned to a successful takedown. On the ground, DP attempted to pull the Irishman away from the octagon wall but was unable on multiple attempts. Well, maybe the last one could be called productive, for Poirier faked the pull away and blasted Duffy with a left elbow that snapped his head back. 

Eventually though, the battle would go back to stand-up prior to the five minute's conclusion, leading to an exchange of right hand shots. Yet, the American came out on top in the final exchange considering he caught his opponent with another, which progressed the swelling of Duffy's left eye. We were heading to a Round 2.

Round 2

Looking worse than he did at the end of the first round, Dustin Poirier's nose was poring blood now as UFC announcer Joe Rogan speculated whether or not it was broken (We later learned his nose was broken, for DP commented after the bout, "My nose is crushed for sure. When I touch it, it feels like a broken lightbulb."). Nevertheless, the fight continued with the two trading kicks before Poirier landed his second takedown. 

Back on the ground in Round 2, the American had his most success since he shutdown the offensive bottom game of Duffy while landing a multitude of strikes, elbows and punches, that truly messed up the face of the Irishman. Additionally, this one became very red and very slippery thanks to Poirier dripping what seemed like pints and pints of blood on his opponent. All in all, Joe Duffy would not escape the "ground and pound" until the horn sounded and DP left the grind with a smile and swagger. Why? Probably because he had landed 53 total head strikes! The fight seemed as though it was his. Ironically, it was anything but.

Round 3

Absorbing more than a few strikes in the opening minute of Round 3, Poirier went right back to the takedown, which he landed. Duffy, knowing he could not do full damage on the ground, eventually was able to slip away, but it would take a precious 60 plus seconds off the clock. Though when he did, the Irishman was able to flip position while attempting a knee bar, which transitioned into a very tight heel hook. However, even with fifteen seconds of struggling, Poirier escaped and re-took top position, leading to, you guessed it, more "ground and pound." But, this time with neither really gaining anything from it, the battle was stood up one last time. And then taken back down by DP after multiple punches landed by Duffy. 

Both trading shots, Duffy on his back and Poirier in his opponent's guard, Duffy started one last charge with 15 seconds left. The Irishman was able to trap the left arm in addition to locking in a triangle around his opponent's head. Precious time ticked off the clock as it became tighter and tighter. And then the fight was over! But not by submission, the third five minutes had expired. It was officially decision time.

"The judges score the contest: 30-26, 30-27, and 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision. Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier!" 

Dustin Poirier had officially continued his dominance since moving from featherweight to lightweight.

He Said It (Part I)

"Joe (Rogan), I don't care how much pain I go through, how much I bleed, how many motherf---ers in the crowd say I can't do it. I don't care! I got self-belief! And I get it done baby and I am coming for that strap! I swear to God you better protect it!"
---Dustin Poirier's thoughts on him belonging in the 155 pound division.

He Said It (Part II)

"I was more surprised he didn't get cut. I felt the bone in his forehead multiple times and he wasn't bleeding man, I was the one bleeding. I was like what the f---! I tried to get the blood in his face while I was in front of you, I know you saw it. Yeah, I'm a nasty motherf---er."
---Dustin Poirier on his nasty strikes and elbows in Round 2 as well as whether he was surprised Duffy could absorb the blows.

He Said It (Part III)

"I don't get triangled man. And I don't get tired. But it wasn't close. I was more worried about my right shoulder, maybe him going to an arm bar. I have doubled jointed shoulders and I don't get triangled man."
---Dustin Poirier when asked how close Joe Duffy's triangle was at the end of Round 3.