Michael Chandler says he has moved on from Dustin Poirier, but thinks Poirier is still bothered by him.
Poirier recently criticized Chandler on the Outta Pocket With RGIII podcast, calling him ‘fake’ and a ‘cheater’ due to actions during their UFC 281 fight in November 2022. Poirier won that fight by submission in the third round. Poirier accused Chandler of intentionally getting blood in his eyes and putting fingers in his mouth.
When interviewed by Zach Gelb, Chandler was asked about Poirier’s accusations.
Chandler responded, “I don’t have a reaction, and I don’t lose any sleep thinking about Dustin Poirier or his opinions of me. It seems I’m constantly on his mind, while he’s not on mine.”
Chandler is scheduled to fight Paddy Pimblett in a five-round co-main event at UFC 314 in Miami this April.
Poirier has hinted at one final fight, hoping it will be in New Orleans, Louisiana, his home state. Chandler said he would be willing to fight Poirier again after his fight with Pimblett, and he has a specific reason why.
Chandler explained, “I would definitely be open to being Dustin’s retirement fight. He is a legend, and I mean that sincerely. It’s not about revenge for my loss or any bad blood. I want to fight him because he’s a legend.”
Chandler concluded, “We’ll see what happens. I’ll recover after my fight with Paddy Pimblett in April. Poirier is talking about fighting in July or August. I wouldn’t mind fighting in New Orleans around that time. I’m ready to fight, and I’d be there for his retirement fight out of respect, and I’m happy to fight him in the octagon. We’ll see.”
