Contrary to Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler predicts Islam Makhachev will have Dustin Poirier's "number" at UFC 302

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler seemingly disagree on several things including the outcome of the UFC 302 main event this weekend.

Islam Makhachev will aim to make the third defense of his lightweight championship against former interim 155-pound titleholder Dustin Poirier in the pay-per-view headliner set for June 1.

A former opponent of 'The Diamond', McGregor sees Poirier proving the oddsmakers wrong and went as far as to predict the title changes hands with a KO as 'The Notorious' mentioned on a recent live stream for Duelbits.

There's a part of Conor McGregor that seems to keen to fight either UFC 302 main event star with a history also with Makahchev. This was more so through his bad blood fueled feud with the UFC lightweight champion's mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov but there would be a narrative underpinning to it as well.

Chandler has also fought Poirier but sees a different outcome materializing on Saturday night.

Speaking to MMA Fighting in regard to his thoughts on Poirier vs Makhachev at UFC 302 and the broader state of the lightweight class, Chandler said:

"The only thing he [Poirier] hasn't done yet is wear the UFC gold, and he wants to. I'm glad he got his shot. Honestly, I was hoping Gaethje was going to win and Gaethje was going to get the shot because I thought Gaethje deserved it more, obviously. I always wanted to see Gaethje wear gold."

"If it wasn't me, I wanted to see Gaethje wear gold. Do I give [Poirier] a chance? Absolutely. [But] I think Islam's going to have his number. I think Islam is just better in every area. I think Islam finishes him, honestly."

Check Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor predictions below:

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Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler's histories with Dustin Poirier

The 35-year-old readies to collide with 'Iron' Michael in the headliner of UFC 303 on June 29. But as mentioned, both warriors have competitive pasts with Poirier.

The native of Ireland began his three fight series with Poirier at UFC 178. This September 2014 fight would see Conor McGregor win by way of a first round knockout and the two men would not battle again for several years.

The second fight between McGregor and Poirier transpired in January 2021. Poirier would even up the series at one win apiece with a knockout of the Irish superstar at UFC 257.

The third bout went down in July of that same year at UFC 264 with Conor McGregor falling to Poirier via doctor stoppage after snapping his leg.

Michael Chandler's last foray in the octagon was actually against Dustin Poirier. The former multi-time Bellator lightweight champion lost to Poirier via rear naked choke at UFC 281.