Michael Bisping has weighed in on the upcoming clash between Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 this weekend. The featured bout on the massive pay-per-view card has all the makings of an absolute barnburner.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Believe You Me podcast alongside Anthony Smith, Bisping made a skillwise comparison between the two combatants:
“I think Chandler probably possesses the harder one punch power. I think Poirier has the better boxing and footwork. I think Chandler probably has the better wrestling. Probably a little physically stronger. So I give strength, wrestling, and probably power to Chandler. I give boxing and footwork to Poirier”
Smith, on the other hand, predicted Chandler to emerge as the victor:
“I’m not sure if I’ve ever picked against Poirier but this might be one of those times. Chandler’s just so explosive.”
Regardless of the end result, fans are expecting both fighters to put on a spectacle come Saturday night.
The expectation can be alluded to the fact that Dustin Poirier has received Fight of the Night honors seven times in his decorated UFC career. Chandler, on his part, has won the Performance of the Night distinction twice and Fight of the Night honors once in his four-fight UFC career.
Watch the full episode below:
“Being exciting and grinding” – Dustin Poirier reflects on his UFC career
Dustin Poirier made his UFC debut after the organization’s merger with WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting).
Following the union, freshly crowned featherweight champion Jose Aldo was scheduled to fight Josh Grispi at UFC 125. However, the Brazilian pulled out due to a back injury. ‘The Diamond’ stepped in as a replacement and won the fight via unanimous decision.
19 fights under the UFC banner later, Dustin Poirier has stacked up an incredible resume having fought the toughest competition on the roster. He has also built a reputation for being one of the most exciting fighters owing to his dynamic and spirited style.
Curiously enough, in his last 10 fights, Poirier has fought nine champions or former champions, either interim or undisputed. He also holds notable victories over names like Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje.
The tidbit was brought to light by Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports in a recent interview with the former UFC interim lightweight champion. Speaking on his storied UFC career, Poirier said:
“I think it speaks to my skillset and the caliber of fighter I am. Somebody might make their way up to that opportunity… but 10 fights in a row, fighting the best of the best, you know, says something. You don’t fall into those spots. You put yourself into those spots by working and winning fights. Being exciting and grinding, that’s what I’ve done my whole career.”
Catch the full interview below: