Michael Bisping explains how Michael Chandler's ripped physique made it easier for Dustin Poirier to submit him at UFC 281
Michael Bisping believes Michael Chandler's six-pack abs may have played to his disadvantage during his UFC 281 clash against Dustin Poirier. Poirier won the instant classic with a third-round rear-naked choke submission.
While discussing the fight with UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith, Bisping noted how slick 'The Diamond' was in securing a body-lock triangle before the finish.
According to 'The Count', Poirier might not have sunk in the body triangle so easily, had Chandler been on the fatter side. Bisping said on the Believe You Me podcast:
"That's the only time Michael Chandler's gonna regret having such an impressive six-pack. Because he [Chandler] was so ripped, he [Poirier] could just put his legs around there, no problem. Lot of the time, if he was a little chunkier, a little fatter, would have been harder for Poirier. Would have to put one around, grab it with his arm, pull it in, cinch it over. It's the one time having that six-pack f***ed him up."
Watch Bisping's comments below (38:36):
As advertised, Poirier and Chandler went toe-to-toe from the opening bell of their absolute war at UFC 281. Ironically, the finishing sequence was the result of a scrap initiated by Chandler.
'Iron' went for a takedown and briefly had Poirier's back before 'The Diamond' reversed position and secured a finish.
Watch the sequence below:
Dustin Poirier vs Michael Chandler - RD3. Carnage. https://t.co/Ju5FNwVPta
Michael Bisping had predicted Dustin Poirier to finish Michael Chandler in round 3
Due to the drawing power of both fighters, Michael Bisping labeled Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler the 'people's main event' of UFC 281. 'The Count' also correctly predicted Poirier to finish Chandler in the third round.
However, Bisping's call was slightly off as he predicted a TKO win for Poirier. The former UFC middleweight champ said on his YouTube channel in the lead up to UFC 281:
"A fight that I think should be labeled as the people's main event is Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler...Poirier is obviously looking for the TKO but Chandler is very tough. However, he has been dropped. He got dropped off Tony Ferguson, he got dropped off Charles Oliveira. He has been shown to be a little bit chinny...I think he [Dustin Poirier] can put Chandler away...I say Dustin Poirier gets a TKO in round three."
Watch Bisping's comments below (6:35):