Dustin Poirier beats Conor McGregor by KO

Dustin Poirier has knocked out Conor McGregor at UFC 257 on Abu Dhabi's Fight Island.

Poirier crushed McGregor with a right hand in the face halfway through the second round, knocking McGregor to the ground and leading to a stoppage and a victory seconds later.

Poirier opened the round by repeatedly kicking McGregor’s lead leg, with commentator declaring that McGregor was “dead in that leg already.”

McGregor looked to continue his first-round strategy and land punches, but the injured leg seemingly sapped his strength. He managed to catch a couple of Poirier’s kicks, but wasn’t able to convert them into a takedown or any other advantage.

McGregor was soon backed up against the cage, and when one of Poirier’s punches in a flurry connected, the fight was over.

Earlier

McGregor is all smiles following the fight and there's a nice show of respect between the two fighters.

Round 2

Dustin Poirier beats Conor McGregor by KO at #UFC257 and gets redemption for his 2014 loss.

Poirier lands a flurry of punches in the second round which floors McGregor and the referee steps in to stop the fight.

Hard left hand lands for McGregor and Poirier lands a leg kicks and a big left. McGregor is hurt and he's down!

Dustin Poirier knocked out Conor McGregor! What A moment!

Round 1

Round one ends

Poirier has done well keeping the fight at close-quarters so far, preventing McGregor from utilising his striking game.

McGregor misses with a spinning hook kick Poirier lands a few jabs and they both land some right hands and the first round comes to a close.

McGregor turns Poirier against the cage and lands a few more shoulder strikes. They're trading words and McGregor lands a foot stomp.

Poirier keeps McGregor pinned to the cage and lands a nice left hand in the clinch.

McGregor is trying to use the cage to stand and he does manage to get to his feet. McGregor lands a leaping shoulder strike and Poirier throws one back.

Poirier has done well keeping the fight at close-quarters so far, preventing McGregor from utilising his striking game.

The fighters are back on their feet, and McGregor lands a couple of shoulder strikes - the same strikes which did a lot of damage to Donald Cerrone in their fight last January.

Both fighters exchange in the first few seconds, and then Poirier lands a takedown on McGregor.

The main event is under way.

Both fighters have touched gloves.

McGregor is in the Octagon and Poirier is about to make his walk.

Conor McGregor arriving earlier at the Etihad Arena.