Dustin Poirier submits Michael Chandler in potential ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate
In the UFC 281 feature fight at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier (28-7) meets former Bellator MMA lightweight champion Michael Chandler (23-7) at 155-pounds.
“The Diamond” Poirier enters the octagon for the first time since challenging former champion Charles Oliveira for the title at UFC 269 in December 2021. The 33-year-old Louisiana native would be forced to submit that night, falling short of his championship goals.
Prior to that defeat, Poirier was on a three-fight tear, twice defeating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, and one win over Dan Hooker.
“Iron” Michael Chandler earned his first win in three fights when he viciously knocked out Tony Ferguson with a front kick to the face at UFC 274 in May.
This fight was just as advertised, “The Peoples’ Fight.”
Chandler was finding success in the brawl, even suplexing Poirier and working for a kimura in the first round. Somehow, things swung in favor of Poirier at the conclusion of the first round, and now Chandler is a bloody mess and saved by the bell.
Dustin Poirier might have one of the craziest chins EVER
— 🌴ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ🌴 (@TheArtOfWar6) November 13, 2022
Chandler is dominating here in the second round, so much so that the commentators are suggesting a 10-8 round in favor of “Iron” Mike. Chandler is on top just pounding away and controlling the fight.
Poirier switches the game and comes back to submit Chandler by way of rear-naked choke in the final round. This was an incredible that should absolutely be included in the ‘Fight of the Year’ discussion. Poirier is awarded the victory at two-minutes into the third round.
DUSTIN POIRIER GETS THE TAP IN ROUND 3 OVER CHANDLER #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/HU9cbqgsRP
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) November 13, 2022
