Dustin Poirier gives surprising prediction for Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler

Dustin Poirier recently gave his prediction for a potential clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.

With McGregor's long hiatus from the sport and his apparent lack of discipline, many doubt the Dubliner's chances against 'Iron' if the fight comes to fruition at all. However, Poirier surprisingly favors McGregor to finish Chandler within two rounds if 'The Notorious' picks up where he'd left the sport.

'The Diamond' recently said on The MMA Hour:

"I think that if Conor comes back anything like he was with his timing and rhythm, with the injury that he had and this long off a layoff and we are not getting any younger, either. If he comes back similar to who he was before he left, I think he stops Michael Chandler. If Conor is who he was before the injury and stuff, I think two rounds, I think the fight is over in two rounds.”

Catch Dustin Poirier's comments below:

Dustin Poirier has beat both Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. The former interim lightweight champion is 2-1 in his rivalry with McGregor and their trilogy bout ended unceremoniously with an injury to the Irishman, so a fourth meeting could be on the cards down the line.

Poirier is gearing up for his UFC 291 headlining bout against Justin Gaethje for the BMF title, which will be underway in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 29.

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"If anyone can, I think it's him" - Dustin Poirier on the return of Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor hasn't fought since breaking his leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. Despite talks of an upcoming clash against Michael Chandler, an immense bulk in physique combined with lingering issues with USADA has led to doubts about McGregor ever returning to the octagon.

However, Poirier believes if anyone can come back from a fall like this, it's McGregor. The Louisiana native said on The MMA Hour:

"If anybody can, I think it’s him [Conor McGregor]. If he’s 100 percent dedicated and focused and put the blinders on and really go at this will all of himself, I think he can, but we’ll see. That’s what makes it so interesting.”

Watch the full interview below:

Conor McGregor recently promised an announcement of the Michael Chandler fight during the airing of TUF 31. 'The Notorious' also claimed to have settled his issues with USADA who merely confirmed that the Irishman has been in contact.

In another major update, UFC president Dana White stated that the fight is indeed in place and being targeted for November or December possibly at Madison Square Garden. However, White stated that the paperwork is still being filed for McGregor to re-enter the USADA testing pool.