Michael Chandler Comes Clean on Being ‘Friends’ With Dustin Poirier Before UFC Legend’s Retirement Fight

Despite Dustin Poirier beating Michael Chandler at UFC 281, handily, eventually submitting him, it seems like he isn’t letting go of their beef. During a recent appearance on Outta Pocket with RGIII, ‘The Diamond’ didn’t sugarcoat his feelings when asked about his former opponent. Poirier took a shot at Chandler’s authenticity, arguing that Iron isn’t the type of fighter who engages in honorable battles. ‘The Diamond’ even went on to say, “Michael Chandler is a fake motherf****r and he’s a cheater. I could go on for days. he makes me pissed off.” But does ‘Iron’ also hold the same kind of feeling for the former interim champion?

Well, it seems he doesn’t. The former Bellator champion has always spoken highly about his former opponent and did exactly the same when speaking to Helen Yee. Dustin Poirier is considering retirement from the world of MMA and is waiting for his final opponent to call it quits on his illustrious career. Chandler is not only waiting to be a part of the retirement fight but feels their rivalry will finally come to an end after he lays down his gloves.

While speaking to Shak MMA, the 38-year-old said, “Man, he’s an absolute legend, man. He’s a guy who really grew up inside of the UFC, a guy who, you know, has earned his stripes.” He further made claims that the pair are friendly, while speaking to Helen Yee on her show.

‘Iron’ Mike said, “We are friends he just hasn’t admitted it yet. He doesn’t know we are friends” The #7 lightweight fighter made it clear that he is definitely looking to be a part of the final fight of his career. However, he is also hopeful that once Poirier lays down his gloves things will get better between the two.

He further added, “I will be there to pay my respects. Maybe when he lays his gloves down maybe he can finally be like okay we’re not competing against each other anymore. We can do some charity work together, we can make the world a better world together we will see. Maybe we’ll do a reality show together, maybe we’ll do a podcast together it will be great. We are like friends, but also be fighting on camera non-stop. We will see.” 

At the moment, both fighters are in a completely different stage of their career. While the former interim champion is waiting for his final fight, Chandler is getting ready for his next big challenge in the division. ‘Iron’ will be taking on Paddy Pimblett in the upcoming UFC 314 event in one of the most important fights of his career. ‘The Baddy’ is unbeaten in the UFC and is considered to be the next big thing in the division. However, Chandler will be a tough ask for him feels Dustin Poirier.

Dustin Poirier picks Michael Chandler as the favorite for the fight at UFC 314

Michael Chandler is pretty confident he can derail Paddy Pimblett’s momentum at UFC 314. However, he is at a completely different stage of his career at the moment. At 38-year-old, ‘Iron’ is way past his prime and is also coming off a hard-fought loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. But as MMA fans, we all know that the former Bellator champion is one of the most explosive fighters in the division. His fighting style and his pace inside the Octagon will definitely cause a lot of trouble for Pimblett. This is what exactly Dustin Poirier also feels.

With high-level grappling credentials, knockout power, and an unbreakable fighting spirit, Chandler is as dangerous as they come. Despite their rocky history, Poirier sided with him for this matchup. The only reason behind this might be, because he knows firsthand just how tough ‘Iron’ is after sharing the Octagon with him.

When one of the fans asked the former interim lightweight champion about to pick his favorite for the fight, ‘The Diamond’ had no hesitation in picking his old rival as the favorite. He said, “Even though he’s a b—-, Chandler all day go heavy on the money.” 

Do you think Michael Chandler can get back to winning ways at UFC 314? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.