There may not be a title on the line, but the lightweight clash between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler has captured the imagination of fight fans ahead of UFC 281 in New York City.
Former UFC interim champion Poirier and former three-time Bellator champ Chandler will go head to head in a pivotal bout for both men as they look to push themselves to the front of a crowded queue for a title shot at 155 pounds.
And, speaking at the pre-fight press conference in The Big Apple, Chandler said that he’s ready to follow up his 2021 Fight of the Year clash at MSG with Justin Gaethje with another big performance against Poirier, as he said he had no problem trying to match his previous performance at the iconic arena.
“I think the highest expectations are the expectations I put upon myself, and I’ve been doing this for 22 years, hand-to-hand combat,” he said.
“Madison Square Garden last year, November 6, it was the Fight of the Year, for sure. I don’t think I have anything left to prove.
“I’m not going out there trying to put on Fight of the Night. We’re going out there to try to get my hand raised and win that world title in 2023.”
Chandler then promised the fans that, however the fight unfolds in NYC, the fans can be sure of an exciting clash, as he promised he and “The Diamond” would produce another memorable MMA encounter at MSG.
“I can tell you this. I speak for myself and Poirier, I believe. We both are always looking for the finish,” he said.
“We know exactly who each other are. We know exactly who we are when we step inside there. Let’s do this thing on Saturday night, we are going to steal the show. This the people’s main event!”
