Conor McGregor’s comeback to the octagon this year has been long anticipated, and Dustin Poirier has been mocking him ever since Michael Chandler was confirmed as his next opponent.
For the past month, The Notorious has been teasing his return to the octagon, warning the other top fighters in his division to get ready to face him soon. UFC president Dana White named Michael Chandler as his returning opponent in an announcement on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/MixedMartialAus/status/1621889926068584448?s=20&t=ea2otT2N-6HCW5q0fT3NbQ
The beginning of the rivalry between Conor and Dustin dates back to 2014 when they first competed against each other in the event at UFC178. Dustin was defeated by the Irishman, who was just competing in his second year for the promotion.
The tides turned when Conor and Dustin fought each other twice in 2021 within a span of six months, and The Diamond won the trilogy between the two of them by defeating The Notorious in brutal fashion on both occasions at UFC 257 and UFC 264.
The American not only won the trilogy fight against the Irishman, but he also put a pause to The Irishman’s illustrious career by brutally breaking Conor’s tibia and fibula in the very first round. After suffering a potentially fatal leg injury, it took Conor two years to fully heal.
Michael Chandler, Conor’s comeback opponent, was also recently defeated by Dustin Poirier in the UFC281. The second-ranked lightweight in the UFC responded to the news of Conor and Chandler’s fight by tweeting, “The Ultimate Fighter – all my children edition.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z38gd6twmo
‘The Diamond,’ on the other hand, made an appearance not too long ago in an interview in which he highlighted why Michael Chandler is the ideal opponent for Conor at this time since, in his opinion, Conor would have no trouble winning against the ‘Iron’.
”I would favor Conor [in McGregor v Chandler]. I think Chandler’s very hittable, Conor’s timing, you know. We’ll see with the layoff, [that] too might be a big factor for Conor, but yeah, I would pick Conor still in this one.” said Dustin.
TUF all my children edition https://t.co/ZrGn8SHl6E
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 4, 2023
Poirier also elaborated on why he thinks Conor will defeat Chandler in the upcoming battle. Due to his two victories over Conor and one over Chandler, he has a practically perfect grasp of their strengths and weaknesses.
“Conor’s longer than him, Chandler slows down, [if] he does wrestle heavy to avoid the striking with Conor, he’s going to slow down a little bit, and then he’ll be more in front of Conor, and able to get touched. I would put money on Conor if the fight happens.” Poirier further added.
It’s official everyone. Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will coach The Ultimate Fighter!! pic.twitter.com/RURTj4sqgy
— The Mac Life (@TheMacLife) February 4, 2023
Fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will have to wait a little longer to see Conor return to action because the Irishman is scheduled to make his coaching appearance in the upcoming 31st season of TUF, which begins on May 30.
