By Dustin Poirier has taken a verbal jab at Michael Chandler, asserting that Chandler doesn’t truly belong to the UFC’s inner circle. This comes nearly two years after Poirier defeated Chandler at UFC 281, where he criticized Chandler for foul play.
Recently, Poirier teased a final fight on social media, calling out potential opponents including Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor. Chandler’s suggestion for Poirier to retire seemed to strike a nerve, prompting Poirier to question Chandler’s sense of belonging and contribution to the UFC.
Chandler, a former Bellator champion, finds himself in a precarious situation, having been slated to fight McGregor following their coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter. However, McGregor’s withdrawal from their UFC 303 bout due to injury has left Chandler in a holding pattern.
Poirier empathizes with Chandler’s dilemma, acknowledging the significant career and financial implications of a fight with McGregor. He notes the risks Chandler faces in waiting for the fight and the potential consequences of taking another fight in the interim.
Reflecting on his own career, Poirier, who has had a notable trilogy with McGregor, admits he wouldn’t have waited as long as Chandler has for a fight. He also recognizes the fleeting nature of an athlete’s prime years and the importance of making timely decisions.
Poirier’s recent loss to Makhachev at UFC 302 and subsequent hints at retirement suggest he is contemplating his future in the sport, though his plans remain uncertain. The tension between Poirier and Chandler adds another layer to the drama of the UFC’s lightweight division.
