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Dustin Poirier is set to step into the cage against Michael Chandler in what is being considered one of the best fights of the year. Despite the two lightweights being incredibly talented, 'The Diamond' believes he could make it look easy.
'Iron' was arguably the biggest profile outside of the UFC before making the switch over from Bellator and MMA fans have been spoiled ever since. His elite wrestling allows him to keep the fight standing and his willingness to strike alongside his goal to always search for a finish makes him one of the most fun fighters to watch.
During a sit-down with Daniel Cormier, Dustin Poirier stated that Michael Chandler should dispose of his "tough guy mindset" if he wants any chance at beating him this weekend:
"If he fights me like he fought Justin Gaethje, I'll clean him up. I'm going back to Lafayette. Tune in... [He'll last] a few exchanges [if he fights like that]... If he comes out there with a tough guy mindset, let's his n*ts hang, hands down, '[The] I'm gonna out tough you [attitude],' I'm gonna clean him up, I promise you... If he doesn't wrestle, if he does kickbox with me, he's got to be cleaner than he was when he did it with [Justin] Gaethje."
Both men are highly ranked 155lb contenders who are just one or two wins away from earning themselves a shot at newly crowned champion Islam Makhachev's throne. Michael Chandler believes he is the better striker and grappler ahead of the lightweight king, but will first have to get past a very tough test on Saturday.
Check out what Dustin Poirier had to say about his upcoming fight at UFC 281 in the video below.
What's at stake for the winner between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler?
Normally, two highly ranked competitors battle it out to see who will be given a title shot next. With Islam Makhachev reportedly has his first title defense already lined up, what's next for the winner at UFC 281?
With Alexander Volkanovski seemingly stepping in against the Russian sometime next year, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler are essentially fighting to see who will be one-half of a #1 contender fight.
The other half of the matchup is likely to be Beneil Dariush, who has been on a tear throughout the division and put on an all-time display against Mateusz Gamrot in his last outing.
