UFC 302: Dustin Poirier Predicts How Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Will Play Out to Stephen A. Smith

While Michael Chandler‘s been hitting the drills in his gym, Conor McGregor was recently seen partying in Dublin. A contrasting approach between the two ahead of the clash at UFC 303. But guess what? One of McGregor’s former rivals, who’s preparing for his matchup this weekend, Dustin Poirier, believes the fight is for ‘The Notorious’ to win.

Ahead of his third shot at the 155-pound prize this weekend at UFC 302 against Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier conversed with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith where they discussed his legacy, and how long he’s been in the game. But then, Molly Qerim, who’s the co-host of the ESPN show, brought up Conor McGregor’s upcoming match and Poirier shared a surprising take on it.

Michael Chandler is a better stylistic matchup for Conor McGregor, claims Dustin Poirier

Many have pointed out the 3-year layoff of Conor McGregor from Octagon action. But guess what? Michael Chandler has also been on a sabbatical since he last fought Dustin Poirier in November 2022. Hence, ‘The Diamond’ believes that the UFC 300 matchup is more even than most people think. “Both of those guys’ last fight was [against] me. Even Chandler has a little bit of layoff between [now and] when we fought,” stated Dustin Poirier on ESPN’s First Take.

When he proceeded to give his prediction for the UFC 303 headliner, the former interim champion recalled sharing the Octagon with both Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. Though ‘The Diamond’ scored a victory against both the legends, he gave ‘The Notorious’ the nod to clinch the fight. “From my experience and being in there with him and just knowing the sport, if Conor is anywhere similar to where he was before the injury, with his timing, his accuracy, the stylistic matchup with Michael Chandler, I think he clips him,” the 35-year-old added.

With the videos of training Michael Chandler has put up on his socials, it would be unwise to pick Conor McGregor over him to win. But Dustin Poirier has his reasons for those claims.

Poirier reveals Chandler’s weaknesses

In a recent interview, Dustin Poirier weighed in on the mistake Islam Makhachev made that led to his only MMA loss against Adriano Martins, who’s rumored to corner ‘The Diamond’ this weekend. In the same way, he also observed a similarity between those mistakes and the mistakes Michael Chandler can’t seem to avoid. That’s how Poirier believes McGregor can find himself in an advantageous position.

Poirier stated, “Chandler covers too much distance, not properly, not the best footwork, lunging in with shots and that’s how you get countered.” As such, if Conor McGregor can replicate the beautiful performances of the past, he could edge past Michael Chandler fairly easily. “If Conor’s the Matador and has the same timing and pop that he had before… Conor’s going to stop this guy,” Dustin Poirier concluded.

Who are you rooting to win? Is it Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler? Drop your picks in the comments section.