Dustin Poirier has a longstanding rivalry with Michael Chandler, stemming from perceived disrespect and accusations of cheating during their UFC 281 fight, which Poirier won by submission in the third round.
Dustin Poirier isn’t planning on having Michael Chandler over for dinner anytime soon. Nope, not happening. The two UFC lightweights clashed at UFC 281 in November 2022, delivering the Fight of the Night. Poirier submitted Chandler in the third round, but that’s just one chapter of their saga.
Since then, Poirier has taken every opportunity to criticize Chandler. There are plenty of reasons for this, at least from Poirier’s perspective. Their rivalry actually goes way back, as Poirier detailed on Outta Pocket with RGIII.
Once upon a time, at a Bellator event, Chandler approached Poirier backstage. "I just wanted to come over and shake your hand," Chandler said. He praised Poirier’s career and resilience. Fast forward a year or two, and things changed drastically.
Chandler joined the UFC and started trash-talking Poirier. They crossed paths in Vegas at T-Mobile Arena—cue the drama. Poirier confronted him: "You little bitch." Security got involved, but the tension was palpable. Soon after, their fight was booked.
The bout between Poirier and Chandler was a bloody spectacle. Post-fight, Poirier accused Chandler of cheating multiple times. He didn’t hold back and confronted Chandler about it right there in the octagon.
Chandler is now prepping to face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314’s co-main event. Meanwhile, Poirier is eyeing a retirement fight this summer, ideally in Louisiana, his home state.
Reflecting on his career, Poirier shared some intense thoughts. He believed Chandler broke rules during their battle—a claim he elaborated on passionately.
"He’s fake, bro," Poirier stated bluntly. Despite Chandler possibly being a good person privately, Poirier’s experience paints a different picture.
"And he’s a cheater," Poirier continued. The intensity in his voice was unmistakable as he recounted an incident where Chandler allegedly blew blood into his eyes after getting his nose broken.
Chandler denied it all, which only fueled Poirier’s frustration more. "Just admit it, bro," he urged.
Then came another accusation: Chandler allegedly stuck fingers in Poirier’s mouth during a rear-naked choke attempt. "Bro, I bite his fingers so hard," Poirier confessed.
He even speculated about what might have happened if not for his mouthguard: "He’d be walking around with two less fingers." Quite an image to leave us with—Poirier’s recounting is nothing if not vivid!