Staff picks: Can Michael Chandler defeat Dustin Poirier at UFC 281?

Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler are scheduled to fight at this weekend's UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Poier returns to the cage after his defeat to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269. Chandler won his second UFC fight in May with a front kick knockout of Tony Ferguson.

Michael Chandler is a good wrestler and a boxer. Dustin Poirier is one of the best boxers in the UFC. Poirsier has a better chance at using the cage to peel Chandler off and get to his feet. Braeden Arbour picks Chandler to win. He believes Chandler has the wrestling advantage. The winner will be decided on points.   Chandler is pulling away. If Poierier can't stop Chandler, he will lose. It will depend on his performance. Braeden Arbour picks Dustin to lose on a points decision.

Dustin Poirier is going to win at UFC 281.

Chandler fights at 100mph until he gets the finish. Chandler has a wide and low base which helps him create power and he can explode into a takedown or stuff takedowns from his opponent. Poirier is the more technical, intelligent, and measured fighter who packs real power. I'm siding with Chandler here.  I expect a brawl from the opening seconds. Both men have found success in these kinds of brawls. i.e. Rodriguez vs. Lemos. If Poier can be patient, he will win with range striking and movement. Whereas Chandler sometimes makes poor choices in the cage and can punch himself out.

Michael Chandler is favored to beat Dustin Poirier at UFC 281.

Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler are going to meet at UFC 281. Poier is ranked inside the top 15 for pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC. Chandler is one of the most explosive athletes in UFC octagon. The biggest issue for Poerier, who is 32 years old, is that his fight tires are getting worn. He has shown time after time how much grit he has in his fights. The main concern for Chandler, however, may be his lack of elite athleticism. It is a question that he needs to answer. Joe Pounders picks the winner. he picks Michael Chidarchik.