Former opponent backs Conor McGregor to "stop" Michael Chandler in upcoming clash
Conor McGregor will be making his long-awaited return to the octagon against Michael Chandler later this year, and despite sharing the octagon and beating both competitors, Dustin Poirier believes there's going to be one clear winner.
'The Diamond' is one of the best lightweights in the modern era and continues to show that each time he enters the octagon, having beaten some of the best competitors to ever compete in the sport. Despite being closely fought matchups, the Louisiana native holds bragging rights over the two soon-to-be coaches on The Ultimate Figher.
Given his thoughts on the fight announcement and having shared the cage with both men, Dustin Poirier gave his reasoning on why Conor McGregor will finish Michael Chandler should his recent injury have no lasting damage.
"Either guy can win. I think if Conor comes back with the same timing and speed he had before the injury, if he comes back to that, he's gonna stop Chandler. Chandler's very hittable. Conor's a guy when you're in front of him, it looks like he can't touch you but he touches you. He's longer than he looks when he's in there. He uses his length, speed, and timing really well to close that distance, and Chandler's a guy who needs explosive movements to get in and out. If Conor's timing's the same, I think he hurts Chandler."
Despite having a clear disdain for the Irishman, Poirier often finds time to praise the former two-division UFC champion's skills inside the octagon and has stated in the past that he is the hardest-hitting opponent he has ever faced.
Check out what 'The Diamond' had to say about the forthcoming bout in the video below.
Talking with the always classy @DustinPoirier https://t.co/ff87T1IDM6
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler's end-of-year clash
After announcing what is expected to be a fireworks affair matchup between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, Dana White later revealed that he doesn't have a timeline or weight class set for the fight.
While it should be safe to assume the brawl happens this year, reports are suggesting that the Cage Warriors alum is still not in the USADA testing pool and would need at least six months of testing before being eligible to compete.
With their season of The Ultimate Fighter set to come to a close midway through August, fans should likely expect McGregor and Chandler to lock horns at the end of 2023.