UFC lightweight Michael Chandler says that Dustin Poirier has ‘the best hook in the MMA world’, and it’s hard to argue otherwise after 299.
UFC veteran Dustin Poirier sent the Miami crowd and the wider MMA world into raucous celebration when he delivered a ‘picture perfect’ hook to knockout Benoit Saint-Denis in the second round of their UFC 299 co-main event this weekend.
Former opponent Michael Chandler was one of those impressed by Poirier’s comeback victory, taking to social media to claim that ‘The Diamond’ possesses “the best hook in the MMA world” and he should know, having been on the end of one or two during their iconic back-and-forth clash at UFC 281.
Dustin Poirier hailed by former opponents after KO win at UFC 299
The MMA world appeared to collectively stand up to applaud Poirier’s UFC 299 victory on Saturday evening with fans, fighters, and pundits alike sharing their reactions to the viral KO on social media.
One fighter who was particularly impressed by the finishing sequence was Michael Chandler, who went toe-to-toe with Poirier back in 2022 in one of the most brutal wars in recent memory.
Posting on social media, Chandler went out on a limb to claim that Dustin Poirier had the single best hook punch in the UFC roster – the same shot that dropped him at UFC 281.
“I’d venture to say it’s the best hook in the MMA world as we speak. He does it so well, and I’m not certain, but rumor has it he’s right-handed but fights from southpaw which makes his lead hand his most dominant hand. Kudos to the [Diamond].”
“His ability to see openings as he’s covering up is remarkable,” said the fan-favorite lightweight, who added that he’s taken notes: “I want that one back.”
“Don’t let ego get in the way of respect for your fellow competitors.”
It would be hard to argue against Poirier having one of the best hooks in the UFC roster – although perhaps Alex Pereira or Paul Daley could arguably match ‘The Diamond’ for this particular punch.
Conor McGregor also commented on the performance of his former foe, writing “Great fight out of them French boys” online and even tagging French President Emmanuel Macron directly.
When asked about McGregor’s comments, Poirier aptly said at the post-fight press conference: “Yeah…Well, he’s felt that right hook too.”
At the time of writing, Chandler is still waiting for official confirmation of the date and location of his expected PPV headliner against Conor McGregor.