Michael Chandler believes his years of experience in MMA and wrestling credentials are enough to beat the current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. Chandler is set to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in a highly anticipated lightweight clash.
In a recent interview with Daniel Cormier and Ryan Clark on ESPN MMA, Chandler previewed his upcoming bout. He also spoke about his vision and desire to face Makhachev for the title and how he sees the fight playing out:
“That’s one of the beautiful things about coming to the UFC as a 34-year-old seasoned veteran… What I have accrued in experience and maturity over the last 14 years of fighting is invaluable. Honestly, I love it. I want Islam to talk about me. I want to talk about Islam… I have the best wrestling. Good old fashioned passionate American D1 wrestling and I do believe that I can shut down Islam and I can beat him.”
After UFC 280, Islam Makhachev called out featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski after beating Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title. With both champions eager to face each other in a super-fight, the matchup looks likely for UFC 284 in Australia next year.
Coming off a win over Tony Ferguson via second-round knockout, Michael Chandler will look to beat Dustin Poirier this weekend and extend his win streak. While it remains to be seen if the winner of Poirier vs. Chandler gets a title shot, it certainly promises to be an entertaining matchup.
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Beneil Dariush shares his prediction for Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler
Beneil Dariush recently gave his take on the upcoming lightweight matchup between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler at UFC 281 on November 12. Poirier occupies the No.2 spot in the 155-pound rankings, while Chandler sits three spots behind ‘The Diamond’ at No.5.
In a recent interview with Luke Thomas on Morning Kombat, Dariush stated that Chandler’s intention to entertain rather than win fights strategically could end up costing the former Bellator champion. The No.4-ranked lightweight contender said:
“If Chandler fights smart he should be able to win this fight. But Chandler, right now, he’s so focused on being exciting, he’s so focused on being entertaining and for the fans, he puts himself in really bad situations. I think if he goes out there, plays a very conservative striking game, lot of wrestling, he should be able to pull this off.”
Predicting that Poirier will emerge victorious, Dariush added:
“But in reality I think Dustin Poirier is gonna end up winning this fight because Chandler’s gonna try to be more than he needs to be and end up losing the fight because of that. “
Catch Beneil Dariush’s prediction (15:50 – 16:27) below: