“Isn’t at the forefront” – Daniel Cormier believes that Michael Chandler’s title ambitions are OVER after a loss to Dustin Poirier

“Isn’t at the forefront” – Daniel Cormier believes that Michael Chandler’s title ambitions are OVER after a loss to Dustin Poirier

Michael Chandler (Image Courtesy - Cageside Press)

Michael Chandler is one of the most interesting fighters on the entire UFC roster. When not preaching words of wisdom to his many fans on social media, he engages in gladiatorial battles inside the cage.

Michael Chandler entered UFC 281’s fight against Dustin Poirier an underdog – however, how the fight was progressing would have told one otherwise. Chandler was hurt deep into Round 1, but he also delivered blows to Dustin Poirier. As close as Round 1 was, the second was not even in contention – Chandler dominated Poirier. In the Third Round, Chandler simply fell prey to bad luck as Poirier latched onto his back and finished him with a rear naked choke.

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In the aftermath of the fight, Chandler took to calling out big PPV stars like Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal. Analysing the situation, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier had this to say about it – “Mike’s focus has shifted a bit. It feels like now the title isn’t at the forefront for Michael Chandler, because the guys that he’s calling aren’t in championship contention.”

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Continuing, he said, “You all know that Jorge Masvidal’s championship days are a bit behind him, and Conor McGregor also is not in title contention… Mike’s focused on two fights because they’re fun, they’re tough fights, they make sense, but they’re also two of the biggest names in the game.”

Also Read- After amazing win at UFC 281, Dustin Poirier shockingly admitted he was “SCARED” to fight Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler’s way to UFC gold may be jagged with obstacles, but that doesn’t mean his days in the promotion are numbered

Could a Conor McGregor (L) or Jorge Masvidal fight (R) be on the cards for Michael Chandler (C) (Image Courtesy - (L) MMAJunkie, (R) and (C) MMAFighting
Could a Conor McGregor (L) or Jorge Masvidal fight (R) be on the cards for Michael Chandler (C) (Image Courtesy – (L) MMAJunkie, (R) and (C) MMAFighting)

Make no mistake about it – Michael Chandler is a star, owing to the nature of his performances inside the octagon. Ever since he was signed from Bellator, the American has delivered in each fight of his, regardless of its outcome. And, till now, he has fought the likes of Dan Hooker, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier. Some resume, that is.

Although he has virtually lost to everyone inside the top five, Chandler could still sell big PPVs. Hence, his calling out of the big stars is an extremely pragmatic move – if Conor McGregor or Jorge Masvidal do accept the fight, expect it to be a great showing. He truth of the matter is that getting to title holder Islam Makhachev seems too uphill a battle for the American.

Also Read- “They really messed up” – Glover Teixeira isn’t too happy with the UFC pushing him out of the title picture at UFC 275

That being said, Chandler also needs to be cognizant of his age going into future fights. With the amount of damage he takes, at 36, he is not getting any younger, and one shot to the head could be too many in cutting an illustrious career shorter than it should be.

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