Michael Chandler is getting ready to face Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC 303. However, he’s getting a warning from someone who knows both men well: Dustin Poirier. The former interim UFC lightweight champion detailed what would likely happen at UFC 303.
Poirier had some words of advice for Michael Chandler. He cautioned that things could get dangerous for him if Conor McGregor returns at his sharpest. The ‘Diamond’ backed up his ominous prediction by analyzing Chandler’s fighting style in comparison to that of McGregor.
If Conor comes back anywhere similar to what he was before the injury – I’m talking timing-wise, his rhythm – I think he knocks Chandler out. The way Chandler covers distance with big movements against a sniper like Conor, you’re going to run into something big and you can’t take those shots.
Dustin Poirier at the post-fight press conference
Dustin Poirier knows firsthand about McGregor’s surgical precision on the feet. He was stopped by the Irishman back in 2014. However, he turned the tables in the next two fights. Poirier, however, vividly recalls McGregor’s potent counter-striking. Dustin Poirier fought Michael Chandler in 2022 and submitted Chandler in the third round.
Dustin Poirier predicts Conor McGregor will KO Michael Chandler if he can return to pre-injury form 💥 #UFC302
“Against a sniper like Conor, you’re going to run into something big. You can’t take those shots.” pic.twitter.com/34aS62pnoj
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 2, 2024
Only time will tell if Poirier’s analysis proves prophetic at UFC 303. His insight into the main event of UFC 303 holds much more weight than anyone else. Poirier has warned Michael Chandler. Whether Chandler heeds, Poirier’s advice may decide his fight night fate.
Michael Bisping predicts Conor McGregor to have problems
Many regard Michael Bisping as one of the most authentic voices in the world of MMA. The former UFC middleweight champion recently expressed concerns about Conor McGregor’s recent weight gain. The fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was announced for International Fight Week but with a twist. The fight will take place at welterweight instead of lightweight.
Michael Bisping chimes in on Conor McGregor fighting at welterweight ( via MMA Weekly/ MMA Fighting)Bisping issued a warning to McGregor. He didn’t hold back on his assessment of McGregor’s fighting ability at 170 pounds. Bisping believed that McGregor lacked the cardio to fight at a heavier weight against Michael Chandler.
I think with all that extra weight, it’s gonna be an issue…On top of that, he [Conor McGregor] is not known for having the best cardio. And when he is carrying extra weight, whether it is fat or muscle, it’s gonna slow you down and it’s definitely gonna affect your endurance.
Michael Bisping via MMA Global
Bisping’s concerns stem from McGregor’s history of competing at lower weight classes. The ‘Notorious’ has held titles in the featherweight and lightweight divisions. However, being welterweight means he’s carrying extra weight. There were some rumors of a 165-pound weight-limit fight. However, this was not confirmed.
