Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is one of the many UFC fans who witnessed the rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier in UFC 257 Saturday night (Sunday, Manila time).
Pacquiao took to Twitter before the match his good luck message to McGregor, the mixed martial arts star who's open to challenge the eight-division world champion in the boxing ring.
"Good luck tonight Conor! Let’s make 2021 the best year ever for fight fans," wrote Pacquiao on his official Twitter account.
Minutes later, Pacquiao was quick to extend his congratulations to eventual winner Poirier, who exacted revenge over McGregor with a second-round technical knockout win.
Poirer weakened McGregor's stance with a strong leg kick before unloading a flurry of punches straight to the Irish fighter's face.
At that point, McGregor was completely off guard as Poirier delivered the final blows and floored the former two-division UFC champion for the win.
"Beautiful thing about the fight game, anything can happen! Congrats to . Huge win!" Pacquiao followed up.
McGregor, for his part, was graceful in defeat and vowed to come back soon in the Octagon with an improved game.
With the loss, questions arise whether the Pacquiao-McGregor boxing match would still push through before the year ends.
Audie Attar of Paradigm Sports Management, who handles both fighters, has yet to comment on the situation but previous reports disclosed that preparations are leaning towards a successful deal.