"Woke up 20 min before my alarm" - "Dangerous" Michael Chandler promises a "treat" as UFC 281 clash against Dustin Poirier inches close
Michael Chandler appears as confident as ever that he's going to get the job done against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 this upcoming weekend.
Today marks the beginning of fight week and 'Iron' revealed that he had woken up 20 minutes before his alarm went off. The 36-year-old believes it is a sign of positive things to come as he prepares for one of the toughest fights of his career so far.
On Twitter, he wrote:
"It's #UFC281 fight week and I woke up 20 min before my alarm, feeling dangerous. Y'all are in for a treat!"
Itโs #ufc281 fight week and I woke up 20 min before my alarm, feeling dangerous. Yโall are in for a treat!
Despite being 2-2 in the organization, Michael Chandler heads into UFC 281 as one of the biggest stars in the division. 'Iron' earned the 2021 Fight of the Year for his bout with Justin Gaethje and is in with a chance of winning 2022's KO of the Year following his stunning front-kick KO victory over Tony Ferguson.
His opponent, Dustin Poirier, has been away from the octagon for nearly a year after losing out on the lightweight title once again. Similar to Chandler, 'The Diamond' fought Charles Oliveira for the 155lb title but was submitted by the Brazilian.
Although the loss was tough to take for the 33-year-old, his two victories over Conor McGregor last year are an example of the elite skill he possesses.
Michael Chandler reveals he didn't want to face Dan Hooker for his UFC debut
Michael Chandler came to the UFC from Bellator with the fan expectation that he was going to try and dominate his opponents with his wrestling. After watching his four-fights since making his debut, it's safe to say they couldn't have been further from the truth.
'Iron' made his UFC debut at UFC 257 last year and faced fan favorite Dan Hooker. Chandler, who was expected to try and wrestle the New Zealander, shocked fans when he TKO'd him inside the first round.
Chandler baits Dan Hooker by not throwing after the right straight to the body and then follows up with a left hook
Beautiful https://t.co/0qTKFg5USz
Now, taking a look back at his UFC fights, Chandler admitted he wasn't originally happy with the matchup. The 36-year-old believed at the time that Hooker's 6ft frame and long reach could have caused him problems.
He told MMA on Point:
"That's true, I didn't really wanna fight Dan Hooker. You're coming in the UFC, Dan Hooker's 6 foot seven. He is a long, rangy guy... I didn't wanna fight Dan Hooker. He had just gone 25 minutes with Dustin Poirier, heart of a champion, long, rangy striker. Even if you do get him, he wiggles and moves and wall-walks and gets up. He's a scary one."
Catch Michael Chandler's interview with MMA on Point below: