Dustin Poirier doesn’t think Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will last long inside the Octagon when the fight takes place.
Dustin Poirier holds wins over both Chandler and McGregor, with his fight against Chandler coming at UFC 281 last November. He defeated McGregor in back-to-back fights in 2021 to earn himself a lightweight title shot against Charles Oliveira.
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, who faced off as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31, are expected to fight by the end of 2023. While a formal booking hasn’t been announced, the fight is expected to be finalized sometime after the TUF 31 debut on May 30th.
Dustin Poirier is familiar with McGregor and Chandler’s styles inside the Octagon and has seen some of the best attributes of both fighters. But despite the hype behind the fight, Poirier doesn’t expect it to last longer than 10 minutes.
Dustin Poirier Thinks Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Lasts Two Rounds
During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Poirier gave his thoughts on the planned McGregor vs. Chandler fight.
“I think that if Conor comes back anything like he was with his timing and rhythm…with his injury, that long of a layoff, we’re not getting any younger… but I think if he comes back [in peak form] he stops Michael Chandler,” Poirier said. “I think the fight’s over in two rounds… I think if anybody can [return in top shape after a long break], it’s him.”
Conor McGregor hasn’t fought since a nasty leg injury he suffered against Poirier at UFC 264. After a lengthy hiatus, he’s inching closer to a return to fighting to return to the top of the UFC’s heap.
Michael Chandler’s loss to Poirier came after a win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. He has lost three of his five UFC fights, with defeats coming against some of the top contenders in the promotion.
There’s a lot on the line between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, and Dustin Poirier feels the outcome will be dictated by what mindset McGregor enters the Octagon with.