Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler appear to be on a collision course for a fight that is expected to take place before the end of 2022.
Ariel Helwani, Monday’s The MMA Hour reported that UFC 281 was “close and probable.” UFC 281 will take place in New York City on Nov. 12.
After losing to Charles Oliveira, the UFC lightweight champion in his second attempt, Poirier suggested that he might leave the division. But, time has allowed the Louisiana native to return to the UFC lightweight division, where he is still one of the best fighters in the entire world.
Prior to the Oliveira fight Poirier had won back-to-back victories over Conor McGregor and a win against Dan Hooker in that same run.
In the meantime, Chandler has a chance to be named “Knockout Of The Year”, after beating Tony Ferguson in May with a front kick. After engaging in the 2021 Fight of the year with Justin Gaethje, Chandler’s highlight reel finish won him a bonus “Performance of the Night”.
Of course, the lightweights also recently had a run-in at UFC 276 when Poirier was shouting at Chandler as both fighters were getting to their seats for the event. Chandler spoke to MMA Fighting Tuesday and admitted that he wasn’t sure why they were so hostile, but he attributed it to Poirier eagerly awaiting the news about his next fight.
Whatever animosity existed that night, it now appears Poirier and Chandler will get to hash out their differences in the octagon with the pair of former lightweight title contenders expected to clash later this year.
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