UFC 257 will likely shape the future of the lightweight division, thanks to the high and key events.
With reigning lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov reportedly teasing a possible return to action, based on an impressive performance from one of the four fighters – Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler and Dan Hooker – the stakes are even higher.
While both Chandler and Hooker are focused on each other, it is impossible to ignore the scope of the main event. McGregor will make his UFC debut in one year, while Poirier wants revenge after suffering a sudden loss to the Irish superstar in their previous event in 2014.
As for the actual game, Chandler considers time to be the key to Poirier’s success, because McGregor is such an incredibly fast starter. of his own.
‘I say in the later rounds, Conor is going to have his hands full with Dustin’s ability to withstand damage, his beats in bunches, his volume and the pressure he can put on Conor with a much sharper striking [Nate] Diaz, ”Chandler said when speaking to MMA Fighting. ‘We’ve seen it in many other fights with Diaz, where Diaz could carry Conor and take big shots, but Poirier has a lot more power, a lot more precision than a man like Diaz. This is going to be interesting.
“If Poirier can withstand the first two rounds, the storm that Conor McGregor is in the first two rounds, it’s going to be a very interesting battle.”
Hooker actually brings first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to spend five rounds in the octagon with Poirier after fighting each other this past June.
While coming short on the scorecards, Hooker took Poirier’s best beats and set them on fire with some of his own. After 25 minutes in a war with Poirier, Hooker says it would be an absolute mistake to discount his ability to thwart McGregor’s progress, even in that early round.
“I’m giving him a good chance,” Hooker said of Poirier beating McGregor. ‘I think so much has changed, especially in Dustin Poirier’s play since that first fight. I feel like he has evolved so much. He is the most durable man. He is the most durable man in the division. His cardio and his guest tank are on another level.
“It’s one aspect of the fight where I could see him becoming the best of McGregor, just with the pace he’s pushing and the pressure he can put on.”
For all the compliments laid on Poirier’s shoulders before the rematch, it’s still hard for Chandler or Hooker to pull the trigger and choose him to beat McGregor.
In fact, Hooker believes McGregor really is the class of the lightweight division if Nurmagomedov decides not to return and retire.
“In my opinion, skill for skill, technique for technique, I feel like Conor McGregor is the most talented, technically healthiest fighter in the division with the champion retired,” Hooker said.
Chandler said the same, adding that his interest in the fight definitely matters more if Nurmagomedov retires and the UFC has to crown a new lightweight champion.
“If I’m a gambler, I still have to put my money on Conor,” Chandler said. ‘Just because he has this great aura about him. A Conor battle week and the preparation to fight Conor on Conor’s terms, Conor’s hype, stepping into the cage against Conor, this is his wheelhouse. Even the first time Poirier did it, it was nowhere near what it is now.
‘The mystique of the martial arts icon that is Conor McGregor and the aura he brings to that UFC octagon. We will see if he can hold the first two rounds, we leave a very good fight late in second and second round, fourth and fifth round. I’m going to grab popcorn and look at the cage and expect to fight the winner. ”