The two lightweight greats went back and forth before the former interim champion was able to secure the rear-naked choke.
Visibly fatigued, Chandler was slower to engage as he ate a few punches from a fresher Poirier. On paper, the fight between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler was bound to be a slugfest. Despite the damage, Chandler dominated the round by keeping Poirier on bottom and landing some short punches. Chandler came out with a kick-heavy attack, which was slowed when Poirier perfectly checked a leg kick, causing Chandler's lower leg to immediately swell. Can't get enough boxing and MMA? The wrestling game would backfire in Chandler in the third round.