Conor McGregor blamed extended spells away from the UFC for his shock defeat to Dustin Poirier but the Irishman said “don’t write me off yet” as he vowed to carry on in mixed martial arts.

McGregor beat Poirier inside two minutes in September 2014 and just over two years later he became the first fighter to simultaneously hold two UFC titles after adding lightweight gold to his featherweight crown.

Fame and fortune came amid a crossover boxing bout against pound-for-pound superstar Floyd Mayweather but, having reversed his retirement decision, his return bout with Poirier at UFC 257 at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi was just his third since November 2016.

If Nurmagomedov steps aside as 155lb champion, White indicated Chandler could fight for the vacant title against Poirier, who poured cold water on that suggestion after taking his MMA record to 27-6, with one no-contest.

“Respect to Chandler, it was a great win,” said Poirier. “But to come in and beat a guy I just beat and get a title shot? That doesn’t really interest me at this point. I’m going to sell hot sauce if that’s the case.”

Earlier, Joanne Calderwood outworked Jessica Eye, with the Scottish flyweight landing more than 200 strikes as she claimed a unanimous decision win with two of the judges scoring the bout 30-27 and a third 29-28, all in her favour.

“I beat her and she’s got no excuses,” said Calderwood, who has won 15 and lost five of her 20 MMA contests.