Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler official for UFC 281
An exciting lightweight bout between top contenders Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler is now official for UFC 281.
Following several months of speculation, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto confirmed with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell that Poirier vs. Chandler is now a done deal for UFC 281. On top of that, Chandler has re-signed with the UFC on a new multi-fight contract. The event takes place on November 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, and is headlined by UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya against his rival Alex Pereira. It’s likely that Poirier vs. Chandler, which is three rounds, will be the co-main event.
It’s official. Dustin Poirier (@DustinPoirier) vs. Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) at MSG in November, per UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. Three rounds. In addition to agreeing to the fight this week, Chandler has also signed a new multi-fight deal. pic.twitter.com/8YrYkfjoTW
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 7, 2022
It’s official. Dustin Poirier (@DustinPoirier) vs. Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) at MSG in November, per UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. Three rounds. In addition to agreeing to the fight this week, Chandler has also signed a new multi-fight deal.
Poirier is the No. 2 ranked lightweight and Chandler is ranked No. 5, so considering it’s a fresh matchup with two of the top-five contenders in the division, this fight makes a lot of sense. Not only that, but it’s just a very exciting fight on paper between two great fighters.
Poirier (28-7, 1 NC) has not fought since last December when he was submitted by then-UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, a loss that snapped a three-fight win streak for him. Despite that defeat, there is no doubt Poirier remains one of the division’s best talents.
Chandler (23-7) is coming off of a “Knockout of the Year” candidate at UFC 274 in May when he finished Tony Ferguson with a front kick. That was a huge win for Chandler as it snapped a two-fight losing skid for him against Justin Gaethje and Oliveira. He will now look to make it two straight victories inside the Octagon when he faces off with Poirier.
Who do you think wins this lightweight bout at UFC 281 between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler?
