For UFC lightweight title contender Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier’s back is against the wall in his upcoming trilogy fight against Conor McGregor.
As explained by the former Bellator 155-pound champion, “The Diamond” is in no position to lose, especially after deciding to pass on a title shot.
“Now that they’re both 1-1, now it’s a fight that Dustin can’t lose. He knows he passed up on the title shot in order to take this fight,” Chandler told MMA Fighting.
“So there’s going to be a ton of pressure on Dustin to win this fight or else he passed up on a title shot that he might not get for a while.”
Chandler will face submission artist Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title at UFC 262 on May 15. He sees himself being crowned as the new champion and expects “The Notorious” to be his first challenger.
“Taking another fight or two to get back to the title and it could be me and Conor fighting next if Conor wins,” he said.
“I still lean towards Conor. I think Conor still has the power in those hands and I think you’re going to see Conor make some adjustments as we have seen, when he has taken losses, he’s always come back a better fighter. A more skilled fighter. A more prepared fighter.
“We’re going to see whenever that fight takes place. Either way, I’m excited to watch that one.”
Early this week, sources confirmed that Poirier vs. McGregor 3 is “close to being finalized” for UFC 264. The UFC is planning for it to take place on July 10 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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