Dustin Poirier finally got the chance to settle his differences with Michael Chandler on the main card of UFC 281 in the promotion’s grand return to Madison Square Garden in New York.
UFC 281: Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler
Round 1
Chandler tries a low kick and moves back. Chandler blitzes in with a straight. Nice left hand from Poirier connects. Chandler gets two body kicks in. Takedown defended by Poirier. Inside low kick by Chandler gets checked hard by Poirier. Chandler goes in with a combination. Beautiful right hand from Chandler. Another right from Chandler. Chandler is teeing off here against Poirier off the fence. Poirier gets a straight left in. Chandler goes wild swinging in but misses. Nice left hook from Poirier. Poirier chopping away at his legs. Chandler rushes in with a huge punch combination. Chandler gets a takedown after landing a flurry of punches. Poirier tries to get back up. Chandler takes his back and goes to the side. Chandler gets Poirier down again and gets his back. Another big takedown for Chandler. Poirier returns fire back on the feet. Nice uppercut from Poirier. Chandler lands a huge right. Big left hook from Poirier gets Chandler down. Poirier follows up with more big shots. Now Poirier is teeing off Chandler against the fence. Big elbow to end the round.
Round 2
Poirier is on the inside looking to box off Chandler. Chandler rushes in with a punch combination and level changes to get a big takedown. He’s on the top against a close guarded Poirier. Poirier goes for the elbows from the bottom. Triangle attempt by Poirier. Chandler gets out and takes his back. Chandler locks in a rear-naked choke attempt. Chandler still on Poirier’s back trying to get a submission in. However, Chandler is way too high on his back to effectively exert pressure for the submission. Poirier turns and is facing Chandler against the cage. Poirier looking for the kimura and lets it go after eating a big right hand. Big round for Chandler. He’s got a lot of control time here. Hammer fists from Chandler. Poirier is stuck under Chandler again. Chandler ends the round on top.
Round 3
Poirier throws a jab. Poirier with an outside low kick. Chandler seems tired rushing in with strikes and takedown attempt. Chandler kicks Poirier up and narrowly misses getting a takedown. He tried to get his back but Poirier counters to get out. Poirier gets his back now after connecting with a few strikes. Poirier locking in a rear naked choke.
Official Result: Dustin Poirier defeats Michael Chandler via submission (R3, 2:00).
Check out the highlights below:
How is this going to round 2 🤯 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/6gAoxf6Dv8
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
THE DIAMOND GETS IT DONE IN AN INSTANT CLASSIC 💎 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/56vHlHqfaI
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
Every bit as good as advertised 💎 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/X95cHC0av7
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
