Michael Chandler has become a force to be reckoned with inside the UFC Octagon in such a short period of time. In just four fights inside the cage, Chandler has picked up two terrific knockout victories and came very close to winning the UFC lightweight gold. He is the first fight to KO Tony Ferguson, and already has a Fight of the Year outing on his name.
Michael “Iron” Chandler is known for his monstrous power. However, not many are aware that he is as impressive as a grappler as he is a striker.
Chandler himself thinks he is a better grappler than he is a striker, and he is yet to show that side of him inside the UFC Octagon. Come UFC 281, fans expect Michael Chandler to use his entire skill set and get the job done against Dustin Poirier inside Madison Square Garden, New York on November 12.
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When asked about whether he will employ his grappling skills against Dustin Poirier, here’s what the former lightweight title challenger had to say. “I always have wrestling as big part of the strategy. I train an all-encompassing full 360 degree game plan from the striking to the grappling to the wrestling to the defense to the footwork to the cardio and strength, and to the speed explosiveness.” Chandler said.
Michael Chandler believes Dustin Poirier is a better striker than him ahead of UFC 281
Michael Chandler is not the one to discredit another fighter. The lightweight contender gives credit where it’s due. Chandler retracted his statement on Islam Makhachev after the Dagestani fighter defeated Charles Oliveira to become the UFC Lightweight Champion.
Heading into UFC 280, Chandler believes Poirier is a better striker than him but gives himself the edge in the grappling department.
“I mean obviously my run in the UFC thus far has been very striking dominant. Very few takedowns, but as you saw in my last fight, I take down the double leg against Tony Ferguson blasted through him. The takedowns are there um I’ve just got to be able to put them put them together.”
Michael Chandler is an NCAA All-American Division 1 wrestler. The former Bellator lightweight champion is yet to show his wrestling pedigree inside the Octagon, but we have seen glimpses of it in his fight against Charles Oliveira.
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