Conor McGregor 'was looking past' Dustin Poirier prior to loss

MMA star Conor McGregor certainly never gives a dull interview.

In a sit-down with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith published on Thursday, McGregor said opponent Dustin Poirier wasn't his main focus before McGregor lost to him back in January.

"I was looking past him. I had a Manny Pacquiao camp in place," McGregor said. 

The Irishman said he has adjusted his focus now as he preps to square off against Poirier again in UFC 264, which takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 

Poirier won the previous bout with a second-round TKO. 

"I'm coming in to kill this man," McGregor said about zeroing in on Poirier. "I'm coming in with vicious intent here. Mortar shots. What else can I say? That's the way it is. ... I'm looking to take this man out cold."

Talks of McGregor facing Pacquiao fizzled after McGregor lost to Poirier and also dealt with an injury. McGregor also said he has turned his focus strictly to MMA, whereas in the past boxing has taken up some of his focus. 

With a win over Poirier this weekend, McGregor could go on to fight Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title. Oliveira recently said he will be "cage side" to watch the McGregor-Poirier bout.