via Imago
Via Imago
via Imago
Via Imago
As fight fans have just started to get over the excitement of UFC 308, the buzz is already building for UFC 309, which is just two weeks away. This event is headlined by the heavyweight title bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. However, amidst the noise of the main event, the spotlight is also on the co-main lightweight fight between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira, where fans will witness former Bellator champion ‘Iron Mike’ return against Oliveira after being sidelined for nearly 2 years, waiting for his “red panty night.”
Now, at Madison Square Garden, Chandler will face the Brazilian to secure a top position in the division. The stakes of this co-main event are already high, leaving fans puzzled about who will come out on top in this lightweight clash. The answer could only come from a fighter who has faced both competitors, like fighter turned ESPN analyst Dustin Poirier, who has now taken on the role of analyst to shed light on the potential outcomes of this fight.
Dustin Poirier backs Charles Oliveira in the showdown against Michael Chandler
Dustin Poirier is just an “uno mas” fight away from the end of his career, as he last appeared in the Octagon at UFC 302, where he was submitted by the reigning lightweight king, Islam Makhachev. After months of waiting, fans finally witnessed Poirier at the ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, discussing the stacked card for the upcoming co-main event at Madison Square Garden.
When Brendan Fitzgerald, eager to tap into Poirier‘s experience, asked, “You have experience against both of them. What do you think about this co-headliner?” Poirier, fully embracing his new role, seemed to lean toward Charles Oliveira.
‘The Diamond’ stated, “I think it’s a fun matchup, but I think if Charles Oliveira goes into this fight with the same mindset he had when I fought him or the first time Chandler fought him, I think he’s going to get the win. Chandler’s very explosive, an incredible athlete, and can hurt or finish Charles, but I just think Charles is going to be better everywhere—on the feet and on the ground.”
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Michael Chandler is seen in attendance during the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 09, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Poirier may seem to lean towards Charles Oliveira; however, at this moment, both Oliveira and Chandler are not looking particularly strong. The reason? Both fighters are currently facing setbacks in their careers. Oliveira has a record of 2-1 in his last three fights, while ‘Iron Mike’ has been out of the Octagon since 2022, leading fans to speculate about the outcome. In light of the predictions, let’s find out what Arman Tsarukyan has to say about the Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira bout.
What is Arman Tsarukyan’s take on UFC 309’s co-headliner event?
Since former Bellator champion Michael Chandler got the chance to become a potential opponent for Conor McGregor, he has become a target for many competitors in his division, including Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, who have mocked him while waiting for their opportunities.
Now, Tsarukyan has shifted his focus to Michael Chandler, as the Armenian has labeled him an easy money fight. Speaking to MMA Junkie last week, the lightweight juggernaut stated, “Michael Chandler is going to lose for sure. It’s the number one easy fight for Charles Oliveira. He’s either going to choke him out or knock him out. It’s easy money for Oliveira. I’m so happy for him.”
What’s your take on the Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira fight? Do you support Dustin Poirier’s prediction, or do you have an alternative view of the matchup? Drop your opinion below.
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Debate
Can Michael Chandler overcome his setbacks, or is Charles Oliveira destined to dominate at UFC 309?