The fight game is essentially all based on different stylistic matchups. A fighter may match up very well against a higher-ranked opponent with a particular style. However, the same fighter could struggle against a lower-ranked opponent with a very different style. UFC Veteran Dustin Poirier has a similar take on the upcoming fight against Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor.
Dustin Poirier has faced both Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler in the octagon. He threw his weight behind the “Notorious” to emerge victorious via knockout at UFC 303. This prediction is due to his assessment of both fighters’ stylistic strengths.
I think if Conor comes back anywhere similar to where he was before the injury, timing-wise and movement-wise, I think he’s gonna knock Michael Chandler out. It’s just a bad matchup for Chandler.
Dustin Poirier via Fox News
Poirier’s words carry weight as he stands as the fighter to knock McGregor out and submit Chandler. He is considered one of the best strikers in the UFC. His intimate knowledge of their styles and tendencies makes his prediction all the more intriguing. Plus, both McGregor and Chandler had their last fights against Dustin Poirier.
Dustin Poirier predicts Conor McGregor will knock out Michael Chandler at #UFC303, and says he will be in attendance for the bout
“I think if Conor comes back anywhere similar to where he was before the injury, timing wise and movement wise, I think he’s gonna knock Michael… pic.twitter.com/ZDtOupvqj0
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 28, 2024
McGregor is set to face Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29. They are set to fight at the welterweight limit, even though both are primarily lightweight fighters. Poirier himself is set to face Islam Makhachev this weekend at UFC 302. This may very well be his last shot at the coveted lightweight title.
Dustin Poirier wants more than ‘just a fight’ to stay in the UFC
The question of Dustin Poirier’s potential retirement looms large. The battle-tested veteran has been candid about his willingness to hang up the gloves. However, there’s still a glimmer of hope for fans who crave more “Diamond” performances.
Dustin Poirier talks future with the UFC (via Facts.net)In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Poirier revealed he was financially secure even before his last fight at UFC 299. His decision to continue or retire hinges on the UFC’s ability to offer him something that makes him want to return for another one.
Even before this last fight [UFC 299], I was in a spot where I didn’t have to fight anymore. So that’s what it has to be for me to step in there. It has to be more than just a fight.
Dustin Poirier via ESPN MMA
Perhaps the UFC could sweeten the pot with a tantalizing matchup against a certain fighter. Or maybe the promotion could dangle the prospect of a lucrative sponsorship deal, allowing Dustin Poirier to promote his beloved hot sauce empire. These are all speculations as such. Only time and the result of UFC 302 will tell what Poirier decides to do.
