Dana White throws down gauntlet to fans trying to illegally stream McGregor/Poirier rematch

UFC President Dana White has thrown down the gauntlet for anyone who tries to illegally stream the Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier rematch at UFC 257.

White issued a stern warning to fight fans who might try to get a sneak view of the much-anticipated encounter coming up on January 23.

The UFC boss had recently posted an Instagram video promoting the fight which prompted one cheeky comment from a fan saying he was going to watch it for free.

It read: “Can’t wait to pirate the fuxk out of this thanks Dana I’m excited.”

The UFC boss replied: “And I can’t wait to catch u!!!. Gotta a surprise for u mother f***ers this year.”

Interest in the bout is likely to be sky high as it is the first time ‘The Notorious’ will step foot in the octagon since his 40-second victory over Donald Cerrone last January.

And while the Dubliner knocked out ‘The Diamond’ in clinical fashion inside of one round in 2014 when they were both fledgling featherweights, this time around there is more on the cards.

There is the strong suggestion that the main event could actually be for the lightweight title both men are gunning for.

According to a leak from the UFC’s official Twitter page, it seems as though the 155lbs belt which until recently was Khabib Nurmagomedov’s will be up for grabs.

Nurmagomedov has not officially vacated the title after his win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October, even though his retirement message has not wavered.

But it would appear that the UFC is planning on moving on with the division without the Russian superstar, after the UFC’s Twitter direct message chatbot posted: “Don’t miss Poirier take on McGregor for the lightweight title bout. Who do you think will walk out of the Octagon with the W.?”

McGregor meanwhile is in his 'best shape ever' ahead of his eagerly-anticipated return to the octagon thanks to a carefully-planned diet from his nutritionist.

The Notorious is currently on a strict diet to ensure he loses an ample amount of weight before he begins removing the excess water from his body during fight week.

McGregor's meals have been devised by nutritionist Tristin Kennedy, who opened up on the Irishman's daily food intake in an interview with ESPN.

He said: "His diet consists of lean sources of protein: chicken, fish, salmon, beef, eggs.”