Daniel Cormier reveals "easiest path" to victory for Michael Chandler against Dustin Poirier
Daniel Cormier outlined "the easiest path" for Michael Chandler to defeat Dustin Poirier at UFC 281.
As a former NCAA Division I wrestler, Cormier believes that Chandler should look to take Poirier to the ground to increase his chances of winning. However, the UFC Hall of Famer acknowledged that it will depend on whether Chandler opts to implement a wrestling-heavy game plan, given that he's always prided himself on being one of the most entertaining fighters to watch.
During a recent episode of ESPN's DC & RC, the former two-division champion said:
"If he wants to take the easiest path, you would imagine he'll take Dustin Poirier down this weekend. But, I mean, I don't anticipate it. The dude's a savage, he's gonna fight. Him and [Justin] Gaethje went crazy last year. Him and Poirier are gonna go crazy this Saturday and that's why it's the featured matchup of the pay-per-view."
Cormier added that Chandler no longer has to prove himself as a top contender in the UFC. With that in mind, Cormier is of the opinion that Chandler needs to focus on winning rather than putting on an entertaining fight:
"That's the thing though, RC. He had to get respect. When you come from Bellator and you come into the UFC, you gotta make people respect you. And I think those earlier fights were meant to garner respect from his peers, and he's now got that respect. So now he's got to win fights."
Catch Daniel Cormier's comments on Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler below:
Michael Chandler ready to bury the hatchet after fighting Dustin Poirier
There has been a lot of animosity between Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier in the lead-up to UFC 281. The pair of fighters have made unsavory comments against each other during their interviews and the rivalry came to a boiling point when they crossed paths at UFC 276.
Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler have to be separated at #UFC276 👀
(via @GilbertDurinho) https://t.co/fwtmcLn5QC
However, Chandler doesn't doubt that there's mutual respect between himself and Poirier. With that in mind, 'Iron' believes there's going to be a handshake after the fight – win, lose, or draw. In an interview with Yahoo! Sports, he said:
"I know Dustin Poirier has put his best foot forward. I know I've trained, and I'm going to put my best foot forward. And whoever gets the W, you know, win, lose, or draw, there's going to be a handshake and a hug and a mutual respect after our performance at Madison Square Garden."
Watch Michael Chandler's interview below: