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Chael Sonnen Slams 'Inappropriate & Silly' Narrative Surrounding Dustin Poirier vs. Benoît Saint Denis At UFC 299

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 3/5/24

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has some questions for those backing Benoît Saint Denis to get the better of Dustin Poirier at this weekend's pay-per-view.

Among a host of intriguing matchups set for UFC 299 at Miami's Kaseya Center this Saturday is a key co-main event contest at 155 pounds, which will see surging Frenchman Saint Denis attempt to add his name into the lightweight championship mix.

In his way will be an established name in the division's upper echelon, with Poirier occupying a top five spot and remaining within touching distance of the gold for years.

For some, though, this weekend's event will mark a changing of the guard of sorts, with a young and hungry contender replacing a veteran who has touched on the topic of retirement in recent times.

The notion that "The Diamond" is inferior to his French counterpart, however, has been firmly disputed by one ex-fighter...

Sonnen Slams Poirier's Doubters, Insists He's 'Better' Than Saint Denis

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen acknowledged the hype surrounding "God of War," and made note of the fact that Saint Denis will enter UFC 299 as the favorite to beat Poirier.

The betting lines have long baffled "The American Gangster," and he sent a stern message to the oddsmakers and those doubting "The Diamond" ahead of Saturday's event in Miami — "you're very wrong."

"There is nothing about Poirier's fight with Saint Denis that is close," Sonnen said. "This is one of the most inappropriate and silly narratives that I have seen in my time in the sport. If I could think of a stronger way to say it, I would have... Saint Denis is the favorite at DraftKings right now to beat Poirier. Saint Denis, who's never gone five rounds, never been scheduled to go five rounds. Poirier, who is amongst the kings of the five-rounders... who has been world champion... who has finished guys like Michael Chandler, is the underdog. I don't wanna disrespect (Saint) Denis at all. I'm not here to tell you that (Saint) Denis isn't as good as advertised. He is as good! Dustin's better.

"If (Saint) Denis is gonna beat him, let's break this down. Do you believe that (Saint) Denis can outbox Poirier? I don't believe that you believe that. What if we add kicks? ... Do you believe (Saint) Denis could beat him? Do you really? ... Do you understand he's gonna have to beat him for five rounds? Things just got a little slippery for you didn't they," Sonnen continued. "Do you believe Saint Denis could outwrestle Dustin Poirier? No, you probably don't believe that one... Do you believe (Saint) Denis could submit him? ... When you tell me that (Saint) Denis is a better fighter today than Dustin Poirier, I have to stop you. Not only do I not believe you're right, you're not even close! ... DraftKings, and you, are not just wrong, you are very wrong."

Poirier will hope to prove Sonnen and his other supporters right come fight night at UFC 299, where he's tasked with avoiding the first losing skid of his professional career if he's to remain close to the belt at 155 pounds.