Dustin Poirier choked out Michael Chandler in the third round as the lightweight rivals delivered on their promise of a brutal battle at UFC 281.
Chandler appeared to have the upper hand in the opening exchanges, having his chin tested a few times by Poirier on the feet before landing a combination which set him up for a big takedown and saw him land further damage to the Louisiana native.
After being rocked himself, Poirier landed a big right hand which put Chandler down and went to work on trying to finish the fight within the first stanza. Somehow, the ex-Bellator champion managed to get to the bell despite a flurry of punches from his rival, with fans on their feet for the duo.
