Michael Chandler has given his thoughts on the lightweight title fight between reigning champion Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier, expected to take place at UFC 269 in December.
Chandler was finished by Oliveira in the second round of their vacant title fight at UFC 262, and is now set to face Justin Gaethje in a potential title eliminator at UFC 268 in November. Poirier is coming off back-to-back wins against Conor McGregor at UFC 257 and UFC 264.
According to Dana White, the UFC is working on a title fight between Oliveira and Poirier.
Michael Chandler’s Prediction
Speaking to MMA Fighting’s The MMA Hour, Chandler said that while Oliveira has shown great improvements in his last few fights, he still believes Poirier is better in every area.
“I think they’re both complete fighters,” Chandler said. “I think Oliveira has shown over his last couple of fights, especially in the fight against me, his hands have come along. He is basic and he hits hard. He hits harder than we think. His grappling is obviously…has always been on point.
“But I just think Dustin Poirier is a little bit better in every area. I think Dustin Poirier’s cardio, I think Dustin Poirier’s ability to get him hurt and finish the fight like I wasn’t able to do, is second to none. I think Dustin Poirier wins that fight by third or fourth-round stoppage.”
While Oliveira vs Poirier hasn’t been confirmed yet, things appear to be moving in the right direction.
UFC 269 currently features two title fights. Bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes is set to defend her title against Julianna Pena and flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will defend his title against Deiveson Figueiredo in their trilogy, which was announced earlier today.
Do you agree with Michael Chandler that Dustin Poirier will finish Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight belt in their expected bout at UFC 269?
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