Michael Chandler expects Dustin Poirier to fall to 0-3 in undisputed title fights at UFC 302.
Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) will get one other alternative to attain his career-long dream June 1 when he challenges Islam Makhachev for the light-weight belt at Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J. It’s a fortuitous alternative for “The Diamond,” who rebounded from a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje this previous yr with a knockout win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 in March.
Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) doesn’t see it going properly for him, although.
“Islam has the wrestling, grappling, energy, dimension benefit, and I feel Islam finishes him, to be sincere,” Chandler stated in a current Instagram Q&A. “It’s a title struggle Islam is extra versed in.”
Chandler has by no means fought Makhachev, however he did undergo a third-round submission loss to Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022. The 2 have had their moments of trash speak within the time since then, however Chandler claims there’s no bias in his evaluation.
He simply thinks Makhachev, who’s No. 2 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie pound-for-pound rankings, is the superior fighter.
“Poirier and I’ve historical past,” Chandler stated. “Poirier doesn’t like me. I sleep superb at evening figuring out that. Poirier is superb, however that being stated, Islam has his quantity.”
Whichever manner the struggle goes, although, Chandler stated he can be involved in difficult the winner of the UFC 302 title struggle if he defeats Conor McGregor of their long-awaited bout at UFC 303, which takes place June 29 at T-Cell Area in Las Vegas.
For extra on the playing cards, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 302 and UFC 303.
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