Beneil Dariush thinks Michael Chandler has an edge over Dustin Poirier

In the lightweight bout at UFC 281, Dariush thinks Chandler (23-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) will prevail against Dustin Poirier (28-7 MMA, 20-6 UFC). But he’s on American Top Team’s side because he thinks Chandler puts too much stock in being funny at the expense of his game.

“If Chandler fights smart, he should be able to win this fight,” Dariush said.

“But I think Chandler right now is so focused on being exciting, so focused on being entertaining for the fans, he puts himself in really bad situations.

“I think if he goes out there, plays a very conservative striking game, a lot of wrestling, he should be able to pull this off. But in reality, I think Dustin Poirier is going to end up winning this fight, because Chandler is going to try to be more than he needs to be. I think he’s going to end up losing the fight because of that.”