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Michael Chandler is currently the No.5-ranked lightweight in the UFC. The American made a name for himself in Bellator, where he was a three-time lightweight world champion before making his move to the UFC. Since making his move, he has fought four times in the UFC, amassing two wins and two losses. His two losses have come against Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje.
In his four fights since entering the UFC, 'Iron' has shown his class by fighting the best in the division. He made his organizational debut against Dan Hooker, who was ranked within the top 10 at the time and beat him via first-round TKO. Chandler then fought Charles Oliveira in a thrilling matchup.
The pair headlined UFC 262 for the vacant lightweight title at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The first round went in favour of Michael Chandler as he knocked the Brazilian down and almost ended the fight. However, Oliveira held on and managed to survive till the end of the round. In the second round, 'do Bronx' came out all guns blazing and landed a clean left hook that dropped Chandler.
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Take a look at Daniel Cormier's breakdown of the fight:
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He finished the fight off with a flurry of punches as Michael Chandler tried to run away from him. In his next fight, Chandler fought Justin Gaethje in another three-round lightweight classic fight at UFC 268, which was named 2021's Fight of the Year. Gaethje managed to secure the win on the scorecards to hand the former Bellator champion his second loss in the UFC.
Chandler last fought in May this year, KO'ing Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 with a front kick.
Take a look at Gaethje vs. Chandler highlights:
Dustin Poirier says he will 'clean up' Michael Chandler if he tries to fight the way he fought Justin Gaethje
Michael Chandler is set to fight Dustin Poirier on the main card of UFC 281 at the historic Madison Square Garden. The middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira is headlining the event. Ahead of their lightweight match-up, Daniel Cormier asked Poirier what would happen if Chandler fought him the way he fought Justin Gaethje. The Louisiana native replied by saying:
"I'll tell you this, if he fights me like the way he fought Justin Gaethje, I'mma clean him up."
He added:
"If he comes out there with a tough guy mindset, lets his nuts hang, hands down. I'mma out tough you... I'mma clean him up."
Dustin Poirier does not believe that Michael Chandler has the timing, rhythm, and accuracy to beat him in a striking contest. Chandler has explosive, one-punch knockout power, but the Louisiana native has a good chin and is one of the best pure boxers in the UFC.
Take a look at the interview:
