Dustin Poirier takes on Michael Chandler in an explosive lightweight match on the UFC 281 PPV main card.
We’ve got a high-octane lightweight tilt happening on the UFC 281 PPV main card when the former interim champion, Dustin Poirier, tangles with a former Bellator champion in Michael Chandler.
Poirier is looking to rebound after falling short in his title fight with the then champion, Charles Oliveira, at UFC 269 last December. Chandler is looking to build off of his epic front kick highlight reel knockout of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 back in May of this year.
Both Chandler and Poirier are proven warriors who time and time again show up prepared to leave everything in the Octagon. They’re both explosive, gritty, tenacious, tough, and far from afraid of a firefight. This might actually be the people’s main event of UFC 281, and for good reason.
Be sure to save this tab for when the fight goes down. And check back here for the official result, analysis and full video highlights.
Dustin Poirier def. Michael Chandler by submission (RNC) at 2:00 of round 3: Lightweight
Chandler was throwing a lot of volume early, and clipped Poirier with a couple of clean shots up against the cage. Chandler kept winging his power shots at Poirier, and then ducked under and blasted a takedown. After being controlled for a bit, Poirier stood up and started brawling. Chandler hurt Poirier! Poirier hit Chandler! HOLY SMOKES IT WAS A FIREFIGHT!
Chandler scored an early takedown to begin the second stanza. He racked up a lot of control time, and even worked to the back and threatened with a couple of RNC’s. Chandler started to drop hammers, but was warned for several blows to the back of the head. Poirier did not get back up this round.
Poirier came out in the final round pressuring. Just as Chandler started to wrestle, he lost position and Poirier scrambled to the back. After locking up a body triangle, Dustin cinched up a rear-naked choke and dove to his side. Chandler fought the hands, but Poirier made the right adjustment by going palm to palm to get the tap. WOW!