Michael Chandler gives brutally honest take on potential rematch with Dustin Poirier, weighs in on squashing the beef
Michael Chandler has dismissed the idea of a potential rematch with Dustin Poirier, but he is open to settling the bad blood between them in the future.
The beef between Chandler and Poirier started back in 2022 when the pair were tasked with facing one another at UFC 281. Both men were looking to make a statement in order to stake their claim for a lightweight title shot, and they delivered with a highly entertaining back-and-forth contest that eventually saw 'The Diamond' clinch the win with a third round rear-naked choke.
Whilst fans were then expecting the pair to be respectful post-fight, Chandler and Poirier were seen arguing inside the octagon, as Poirier accused 'Iron' of cheating throughout the fight.
Replays showed that on multiple occasions, Michael Chandler had grabbed the gloves of Dustin Poirier as well as put his fingers in his mouth to fish hook him.
Chandler has regularly denied any wrongdoing, despite the replays, and the pair have since continued to let the bad blood boil between them.
Ahead of his UFC 309 return this weekend, the 38-year-old was asked about Poirier and whether he'll be looking to avenge his loss and settle their beef. Chandler said at media day:
"Dustin's got a win over me and he's never going to take the chance with one of his last couple fights to put that on the line and lose to me and have that stain for the rest of his life...Maybe someday we'll squash the beef. I think we will at some point."
Catch Chandler's comments here (14:05):
Michael Chandler previews UFC 309 clash against Charles Oliveira
Michael Chandler recently cast his prediction for his upcoming bout against Charles Oliveira, believing he will walk away victorious after making the Brazilian quit.
Chandler and Oliveira's co-main event bout this weekend is a rematch of their clash from UFC 262 in 2021. After 'Iron' made a strong start in the first round by nearly knocking 'Do Bronx' out, Oliveira rallied in the second and finished Chandler instead.
Despite losing their first contest, Chandler believes he now has the advantage going into the rematch as the pressure will be on Oliveira to get it done again.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, the 38-year-old stated that he plans to push Oliveira to his limits:
"He came back, in my fight. He was hurt in the Gaethje fight, hurt in the Poirier fight. And he gets hurt in certain fights, and he has continued to battle back...I think that quit is still in there...So that's my goal on Saturday night. Push him to that point, make him find the exit sign, look for the exit sign, and me ushering him toward it."
Catch Michael Chandler's comments here (4:14):