Report – Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler targeted for UFC 281 showdown at MSG
Lightweight division rivals, former interim champion, the #2 ranked, Dustin Poirier, and the veteran, #5 rated challenger, Michael Chandler have been on a certain collision course since the latter’s landing in the Octagon. And before the end of this year, it appears the two will have an opportunity to settle their differences.
According to an initial report from Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, the UFC are currently finalizing a lightweight division matchup between Poirier and Chandler for UFC 281 on November 12. from Madison Square Garden in New York.
However, a latter report from ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto confirms how the promotion are attempting to pit Poirier and Chandler opposite each other, albeit, potentially in December at UFC 282 as Chandler prefers that end-of-year landing pad.
“Talks are ongoing for a huge lightweight fight between Dustin Poirier (@DustinPoirier) and Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA),” Okamoto tweeted. “Date is still TBD (to be determined). Per sources, Chandler’s preference is December. Poirier has made it clear he’s been ready to fight. Date being worked out now.”
Sidelined since challenging for undisputed lightweight gold back in December at UFC 269, Poirier suffered a third round standing rear-naked choke defeat against common-opponent, Charles Oliveira.
Enjoying a 2-1 run at lightweight last year, Poirier rematched former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor in January, stopping the Dubliner with second round strikes before emerging with a doctor’s stoppage TKO win in a July rubber match after McGregor fractured his left tibia.
As for Chandler, the Missouri native and Kill Cliff FC mainstay featured on the main card of UFC 274 back in May – rallying from an opening round knockdown to finish Tony Ferguson with a devastating second round front kick.
Chandler previously challenged for vacant lightweight spoils against Oliveira in May of last year, suffering an early second round knockout loss to the Brazilian in a topsy-turvy main event showdown.
Senior writer for FightBook MMA. An aspiring mixed martial arts reporter based in Ireland. Producer of news articles, interviews, opinion features, and exclusive features such as, ‘The Fallout’, ‘The Breakdown, and, ‘This Week In MMA’.
