The dust from the lightweight showdowns in Abu Dhabi is yet to settle and we’re already getting another 155 lbs banger: Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler. UFC 280 saw the coronation of the new lightweight king, Islam Makhachev. Now, less than a month later, we have a potential title eliminator at UFC 281.

Poirier and Chandler have both previously fought for the lightweight title. However, the ultimate prize still eludes both men. Neither of them has any intention of losing sight of the title, and that’s what makes this fight all the more exciting. Recently, Poirier’s coach shed some light on ‘The Diamond’s mindset going into the fight.

Mike Brown on Dustin Poirier’s preparation for Michael Chandler

Dustin Poirier‘s last outing in the UFC was against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Despite finding some early success, ‘The Diamond’ cracked under ‘Do Bronx‘s constant pressure. Poirier tapped to a rear naked choke from the Brazilian in the third round. Back in 2019, he lost another title fight in the same fashion, in the same round to Khabib ‘The Eagle‘ Nurmagomedov.

However, according to his coach Mike Brown, Poirier is more motivated than ever to get back in the cage. The American Top Team head honcho swore Poirier had a great camp and was now eager for the bell to ring.

Dustin Poirier is one of the most reputed fighters in the promotion. The pound-for-pound #11 has always left it all in the Octagon every time he fought. If Brown’s words are true, then we could see another masterclass from Poirier at UFC 281.

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Both Poirier and Chandler also got into a heated altercation and had to be separated earlier this year. As coincidence will have it, the altercation transpired at UFC 276, which Israel Adesanya headlined. It almost seems poetic that they get to settle their differences on another card headlined by the ‘Stylebender.’

Chandler said UFC 281 is personal to Dustin Poirier

Michael Chandler said he believes Dustin Poirier is taking the fight personally. Chandler dismissed the idea that it was personal for him, but could not say the same for Poirier. The former Bellator champion added that the initial cordiality did not exist between them anymore as their paths inevitably crossed.

“I think it’s personal because of me, but not toward me, if that makes sense,” said ‘Iron Mike.’ “I think Dustin’s been the guy for a very, very long time, and I was the guy who came in and have done what I’ve done. I don’t think it’s necessarily directed toward me personally, just this figure of this guy who is me stepping inside the cage.” he added.

Chandler reiterated it wouldn’t be personal at UFC 281. Regardless, he promised that the fight would be an entertaining one. “He and I will, as we always do, go out there and bite down on our mouthpieces and get into a hard-fought scrap, and it will be entertaining, and like Dustin said, somebody’s most likely getting sparked out,” the 36-year-old predicted.

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UFC 281 goes down at Madison Square Garden this weekend. What are your predictions for this highly anticipated lightweight bout? Let us know in the comments below.