Fight fans the world over will be watching UFC 269 with bated breath, but none as closely as Michael Chandler. When Charles Oliveira takes on Dustin Poirier in his first title defense, Chandler may well have to take on the winner.
The lightweight division is one of the most exciting weight classes in the UFC these days, and Chandler predicts a short-lived time at the top for Charles Oliveira.
Michael Chandler Backs Poirier for UFC Lightweight Title
He told The MMA Hour that he’s picking Dustin Poirier for the win. “I think Dustin Poirier.
I think they’re both complete fighters. I think Oliveira has shown over his last couple of fights, especially the fight against me, his hands have come along. He is basic and he hits hard. He hits harder than we think.
His grappling has obviously always been on-point, but I just think Dustin Poirier is a little bit better in every area. I think Dustin Poirier’s cardio [is better]. I think Dustin Poirier’s ability to get him hurt and finish the fight, like I wasn’t able to do, is second to none. I think Dustin Poirier wins that fight by a third or fourth-round stoppage.”
When Michael Chandler last fought, it was against Charles Oliveira. Chandler landed some heavy shots on Oliveira, but was unable to finish the fight, and succumbed to Oliveira’s boxing early in the second round. He hasn’t fought since, but will face Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. The road to another fight hasn’t been easy for the former Bellator champion.
“I stayed up until 4 in the morning that night. My wife was sleeping next to me and I was laying in my hotel room and I was up until 4 or 5 in the morning, didn’t even barely sleep, I was just tossing and turning and just, it was hard. But this is why we do what we do.
This is why the fans love this sport. … There’s a reason why the ‘Rocky’ franchise is one of the most successful movies franchises of all-time. It wasn’t because Rocky always won. It’s because Rocky always came back with complete disregard to previous setbacks and future opposition.
So it was ups and downs for months at a time, but man, I made peace with it and it was an awesome opportunity that I got. And now I have an even bigger opportunity to come back from that loss. The setback is just a springboard for the comeback.”
If Chandler is to be believed, he’ll be facing Dustin Poirier next time he goes for the lightweight belt. Perhaps Poirier’s time at the top will be short, too.
Who do you see claiming the lightweight strap? Let us know in the comments.
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