Ahead of UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier’s charge at the kinda-silly-but-kinda-legit “BMF” title at UFC 291 this weekend, an old opponent of Poirier is singing his praises.
Poirier is set to face Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje in the main event of this weekend’s pay–per-view, and Michael Chandler, who faced Poirier in November last year, says Dustin “The Diamond” is the hardest puncher he’s ever fought.
Michael Chandler: Dustin Poirier is Hardest Puncher in the UFC
“As far as power, people ask me, ‘Who’s the hardest puncher that you’ve ever been hit by?’ Dustin Poirier. Dustin Poirier broke my nose in that fight.
Every single shot was a thud. His ability — if you guys watch his training, I’m not here to promote him and these guys, but go watch his training on Instagram.
His bag work, when you watch the way that his hips, his feet, his shoulders, his core, everything turns on every single punch when he’s doing that bag work. That’s where he generates all of his power.
Justin Gaethje has the speed advantage but he kind of just throws those things as fast as he can, hopes they land. When they do land, they hurt but they’re less of a thud than Dustin Poirier’s.”
Chandler also made a prediction for the fight. He pointed out that, although Gaethje is one of the most violent, brutal fighters on the roster, he may not have twenty-five minutes of mayhem in the tank.
Surprisingly, Chandler is predicting a decision win for Gaethje despite Poirier’s superior punching power. He is expecting a more tactical showing than many other observers, perhaps because of the longer time frame of a headline fight.
“Who’s the bigger dog? Who’s the bigger savage? Who’s the bigger BMF? I gotta go with a tie on that one. There’s no way for anybody out there, unless you’re a big-time homer for Justin Gaethje or Dustin Poirier, for either of them to be chosen as the bigger dog or bigger savage.
My prediction, I think Justin Gaethje cleaning things up, fighting a little bit more tactically, realizing that a 25-minute fight is so long when you’re in there. I think you’re gonna see a more composed Justin Gaethje. My prediction is Justin Gaethje wins via decision.
Similar to what we saw against him and Tony Ferguson. Obviously, we know he finished Tony Ferguson late, late in the fight. I don’t think he finishes Poirier but I do think he beats him without output, by not being taken down, by those leg kicks.”
