The MMA world is on fire with the explosive announcement of the return of Conor McGregor to the UFC after a long layoff. The excitement level is through the roof as he gears up to coach against Michael Chandler in the next season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’. And if that wasn’t enough, Dana White has dropped the bomb that the two will face off in a match after the show. The news has sent shockwaves through the community, with predictions and assumptions about the outcome of the fight flying left and right.

Enter Dustin Poirier, the man who has defeated both Conor McGregor and Chandler, who has weighed in on the matchup with his expert analysis. Despite the bad blood between him and the Irishman, the 32-year-old is putting his money on ‘The Notorious’ and has his reasons, too. But, if Poirier’s breakdown is any indication, it doesn’t bode well for Michael Chandler.

Dustin Poirier explains why rival Conor McGregor is at an advantage

When it comes to the upcoming fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, everyone wants to know who will come out on top. And there couldn’t be a better one to ask than Dustin Poirier, the man who has defeated both fighters in the past.

Poirier’s opinion holds weight as he’s been in the ring with both and knows their strengths and weaknesses intimately. In a recent interview, Poirier weighed in on the fight and shed some light on why the Irishman is a danger to Michael Chandler. During his interview with WEIGHING IN, ‘The Diamond’ said, “Either guy can win. I think if Conor comes back with the same timing and speed that he had before the injury, if he comes back to that, he’s going to stop [Michael]Chandler.”

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He further added, “Chandler is very hittable. (And) Conor’s the guy- when you’re in front of him, it looks like he can’t touch you, but he touches you. He’s longer than he looks when he’s in there. He uses his length and speed and timing really well to close that distance. And Chandler’s a guy who needs explosive movements to get in and out, you know.”

However, Poirier also offered a glimpse into what kind of fight it will be and gave some insight on how the ‘Iron’ still has a chance to flip the tides, but it won’t be easy against someone like ‘The Notorious’.

The tables can turn but watch out

Despite the animosity between Poirier and McGregor, the former couldn’t discount the Irishman’s force in the ring. This only serves to highlight how mighty and dangerous McGregor really is. Further in the discussion, the Louisiana native stated how this fight should be a five-rounder and nothing less. “It’s going to be a five-round fight. Conor doesn’t fight co-mains or three-rounds fights.”, said Dustin Poirier.

In addition, Dustin Poirier brought up the possibility that Chandler might still overcome ‘The Notorious’ by pointing out one of his main advantages.

Poirier stated, “If Chandler can get in there and maybe get on his legs, get some blood in his arms early, wrestle hard for the first few rounds, maybe it goes different. But if Conor has any similarity to who he used to be before the injury and before the layoff, I think he stops Michael Chandler. Chandler’s just too hittable.” He then added, “But I will give Michael Chandler this, he’s more durable than he’s gonna be.”

Having said that, McGregor vs. Chandler is shaping up to be a spectacle of epic proportions. With two top-notch fighters going head to head, it’s sure to be a PPV blockbuster.

Who do you think will come out victorious? Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler? Let us know in the comments below.

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