A Rivalry Born of Respect and Betrayal
Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler’s rivalry is a tale of respect turned sour. Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion, recounted the origins of their animosity on the podcast "Outta Pocket with RGIII." It all began at a Bellator event where Chandler approached Poirier with nothing but admiration. "I just wanted to come over and shake your hand, I respect you so much, man. Your career has been awesome, you’ve had so many great fights, you’ve come back from adversity. So nice to finally meet you and shake your hand," Chandler had said. This moment of genuine respect seemed to set the stage for a positive relationship. However, things took a dramatic turn when Chandler made his way to the UFC. Almost immediately, Chandler began to trash talk Poirier, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor. Poirier, feeling betrayed, confronted Chandler in Vegas, where the latter was attending an event at the T-Mobile Arena. "You little bitch," Poirier spat, and when security intervened, he added, "Man, you a fake motherf*cker… I will beat your ass." The tension was palpable, and it wasn’t long before the UFC capitalized on it, booking the fight that would become one of the most memorable of 2022.
The Bloody Battle of UFC 281
The fight between Poirier and Chandler at UFC 281 in November 2022 was a grueling, bloody affair that earned them the Fight of the Night award. Poirier, known for his resilience and technical prowess, managed to submit Chandler in the third round. The bout was a testament to Poirier’s skill and determination, but it also highlighted the intense personal animosity between the two fighters. Poirier’s victory was more than just a win; it was a vindication of his character and a rebuke to Chandler’s perceived duplicity. The fight was a spectacle of martial arts, with both men pushing each other to their limits, but it was Poirier’s mental and physical fortitude that ultimately prevailed.
Accusations of Cheating and Foul Play
In the aftermath of the fight, Poirier’s accusations against Chandler added another layer of drama to their rivalry. Poirier, who is known for his integrity and sportsmanship, was particularly incensed by what he perceived as cheating. "He’s fake, bro," Poirier said, emphasizing the stark contrast between Chandler’s initial respect and his subsequent behavior. Poirier detailed several instances where he believed Chandler broke the rules. One of the most egregious, according to Poirier, was when Chandler blew blood into his eyes after breaking his nose. "That’s cool, I’ve done that before, but I admitted it after," Poirier explained, calling out Chandler for his lack of honesty. Another incident involved Chandler sticking his fingers into Poirier’s mouth to lift his head for a rear-naked choke. Poirier’s response was visceral: "Bro, I bite his fingers so hard. Let me tell you what, you heard it here first, if I didn’t have a mouth guard on my top teeth and my teeth could touch together, he’d be walking around [with two less fingers] forever. I had a grip so good because I felt my bottom teeth go into his skin. I bet you he was cut. He knows what I’m talking about, you ho." These accusations not only fueled the rivalry but also raised questions about the integrity of the fight and the behavior of fighters in the heat of the moment.
Chandler’s Upcoming Fight and Poirier’s Retirement
While the dust has settled somewhat since their fight, both Poirier and Chandler remain active in the UFC. Chandler is set to face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in the co-main event, a fight that is generating significant buzz. Pimblett, known for his charismatic personality and fighting style, presents a formidable challenge for Chandler, who will be looking to prove that he can still compete at the highest level. On the other hand, Poirier is preparing for what he hopes will be his retirement fight this summer. Poirier, a Louisiana native, is eager to have his final bout in his home state, a fitting end to a career that has seen him rise to the pinnacle of the sport. The contrast in their career trajectories is evident, with Poirier looking to bow out on a high note and Chandler aiming to reestablish himself as a top contender.
A Career of Triumph and Adversity
Dustin Poirier’s career is a story of triumph and adversity. From his early days in the UFC, where he faced numerous setbacks, to his rise as a top lightweight contender, Poirier has consistently shown the heart and determination that have made him a fan favorite. His fight with Chandler is just one chapter in a long and storied career. Poirier’s ability to overcome personal and professional challenges has been a hallmark of his journey. He has faced some of the best fighters in the world and has come out on top more often than not. His technical skills, combined with his mental toughness, have made him a respected figure in the MMA community. As he prepares for his retirement fight, Poirier’s legacy is secure, and he is determined to go out with a bang, leaving a lasting impression on the sport he loves.
The Future of the Rivalry
The future of the Poirier-Chandler rivalry remains uncertain. While Chandler is focused on his upcoming fight with Paddy Pimblett, Poirier’s retirement will likely mean the end of their direct confrontations in the octagon. However, the animosity between them is unlikely to fade away completely. Poirier’s strong feelings about Chandler’s behavior, both in and out of the ring, suggest that the rivalry will continue to simmer, even if it’s no longer in the public eye. For now, both fighters are concentrating on their respective paths, with Chandler looking to prove himself once again and Poirier aiming to cap off his career with a memorable final fight. The MMA world will be watching closely, as both men have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the sport, whether through their performances in the octagon or their contributions to the broader MMA community.
