Michael Chandler is open to a lot of fights right now: Charles Oliveira, Conor McGregor… maybe even Nate Diaz. But Dustin Poirier? Not so much.
The former Bellator Champion’s latest performance at UFC 274 would go viral. A front-kick KO of Tony Ferguson would put him in prime position to call for big fights. And that he did… just not for Poirier.
Poirier Reacts
Let’s just say ‘The Diamond’ felt left out after not getting any shine from Chandler.
“A lot of names being said by Iron Michelangelo but I’m not hearing mine.” Poirier wrote. “Respectfully.”
A lot of names being said by Iron Michelangelo but I'm not hearing mine. Respectfully
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) May 9, 2022
‘I Have No Interest In Fighting Dustin’
Poirier was one of the names Chandler originally called out, following his UFC debut. But that tide would turn, with Poirier’s name not being spoken out of Chandler’s mouth at UFC 274.
‘Iron’ Mike would explain just why.
“I have no interest in fighting Dustin, honestly,” Chandler revealed on The MMA Hour. “To be quite honest, I think he’s a great dude. I think I like him for the sport, but I also think I was completely disregarded and pushed aside whenever I came into the organization. He completely disregarded me, he acted as though I didn’t deserve to be where I was.
“Maybe it’s a bit more of a personal issue, but I also don’t think— is Dustin a draw? I guess he’s the No. 2 guy [in the UFC rankings] now, but he’s just kind of stayed at No. 2. I don’t know how active he’s going to be. I did see him tweet that I was saying everyone else’s name but his as if I didn’t want to fight him because of technical reasons or what not, but it’s more like I forgot about him.”
Chandler Doesn’t Have Any Desire To Fight Poirier
Don’t get it twisted. Chandler may have forgotten about ‘The Diamond’, but he respects him nevertheless. He’s just not interested in a fight with him at this time.
“Hat’s off for what he’s done in his career and I respect the heck out of him, he makes some great hot sauce,” Chandler added. “But as of right now, I don’t really have any desire to fight him.”
