Dustin Poirier, while not necessarily a supporter of Michael Chandler, acknowledges Chandler`s unwavering fighting spirit in the octagon.
However, at UFC 314, this spirit wasn`t enough as Chandler experienced a largely one-sided fight, culminating in a third-round ground and pound finish by Paddy Pimblett, who delivered an impressive performance against the former title contender. Known for his exciting fighting style, Chandler secured an early takedown but struggled to find his rhythm before Pimblett took control.
After landing a jumping knee strike, Pimblett gained top position and unleashed a series of powerful strikes, forcing the referee to stop the fight. This defeat marks Chandler`s fifth loss in the UFC, with the Pimblett fight being his third consecutive loss overall.
“Throughout this week, we`ve discussed how Chandler`s back was against the wall,” Poirier commented on the UFC 314 post-fight show. “Anthony [Smith] disliked the `crossroads` reference, but I believe it was fitting. We witnessed him lose again tonight, and not just lose, but be dominated by a younger fighter. It was a real beating.”
Even in his previous UFC losses, Chandler typically showed resilience and seemingly endless energy, even in five-round fights.
But this wasn`t the case on Saturday. Poirier observed that Chandler appeared exhausted after the first round, which is when Pimblett began to take over.
Considering Chandler`s age of 38 and a career built on memorable, hard-fought battles, Poirier wonders if Chandler`s prime is now behind him.
“In the first round, he had some success with a takedown and controlling position,” Poirier noted. “He won the first round but didn`t seem like himself in the second.
“He didn`t appear steady on his feet and seemed to be slowing down, which is unusual for him in the second round. He`s in incredible shape and looks great, but time catches up to everyone.”
Poirier`s reasoning seems sound, particularly given Chandler`s age and the dominant nature of his two previous losses – a one-sided decision against Charles Oliveira and the TKO loss to Pimblett in the third round.
Immediately after the fight ended, Chandler left the octagon and has yet to comment on his defeat.
Regarding Pimblett, Poirier admits to being impressed, having initially viewed the lightweight from Liverpool as more hype than substance.
“I thought he was a goofy-looking guy with a silly haircut who people were supporting as a novelty,” Poirier said. “Like, ‘oh, this is fun, let`s cheer on this goofy-looking guy!’ But when you have a perfect storm like this, where you are the goofy guy, say these things, and then go out there and win fights, you become a massive star in the sport. That’s what he’s doing. He transitioned from a prospect to a contender tonight. He’s a lightweight contender now.”
“He’s in the top tier. Who doesn’t have a fight right now? Gaethje? Maybe Arman? Oliveira? All exciting matchups, all great fights. You don’t step back now. You continue to fight upwards and aim for the title. I think you give him one of those guys.”
