Michael Chandler ready to put ugly spat aside to attend Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight

Michael Chandler wants to end beef with longtime foe Dustin Poirier before 'last dance', looks forward to UFC 314 PPV vs. Paddy Pimblett.

Michael Chandler ready to put ugly spat aside to attend Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight

Michael Chandler ready to end strain of rivalry with foe Dustin Poirier (Source: IMAGO/X)

Dustin Poirier never misses the scope to attack with full force on Michael Chandler. “Iron” also has maintained a passive aggressive side to things without a full outburst. However, Chandler has work to do and returns in a five-round UFC 314 PPV co-main event against Paddy Pimblett on April 12. The PPV will occur at UFC’s yearly visit to the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Hence, Michael Chandler wants bygones to be bygones. On the flip side, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier is eyeing a last dance. The veteran Layfette lightweight stopped Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299 in Kaseya Center. Then, Islam Makhachev submitted him in a failed title bid last June. Now, with him eyeing an out, Chandler said he’d be there to see him off in his ‘last dance.’

Man, he is, …he is an absolute legend. He’s a guy who grew up inside of the UFC — A, a guy who has, you know, earned his stripes…It will be tough for all fans to watch him lay his gloves down. And New Orleans, hopefully, he can make that happen this summer…And I’ll be there most likely.

Michael Chandler to Shakiel Mahjouri for @CBSSports (🎥 : SHAK MMA; @Shak_Fu)
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The rivalry started with Dustin Poirier visiting one of his Bellator events, as he told on the “Outta Pocket with RGIII” Podcast. From a backstage dap-up, fast forward two more cycles, and Chandler was allegedly trash-talking about him. Hence, “Diamond” wished to beat “fake a**” Chandler and got his wish.

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The former interim champion defeated him via a Round 3 rear-naked choke at UFC 281 in a FOTN performance. However, the animosity still exists, and Poirier has often bluntly ripped into the rival for ‘dirty’ deeds during fights.

With the Athletic State Commission’s blessing, Dustin Poirier is now gunning for a ‘legends only‘ fight in his home state. While not the biggest draw, he might just get to do it in Louisiana; Chandler said he’ll be there to see the lightweight veteran. If so, there’s a minor chance this clash might finally sediment. Chandler’s upcoming rival, though, is gaining up on his own grudges.

UFC Starboy Paddy Pimblett says playing field and goal post ‘always’ changes when he wins a fight

Scouser lightweight Paddy Pimblett will cross paths with Chandler in the UFC 314 co-main event. The latter is looking to recover from a 1-4 slump in his last few; the latest of which was a UFC 309 PPV loss to veteran Charles Oliveria. Pimblett, though, has other goals.

Paddy Pimblett isn’t waiting on big credits with a win vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 314
Paddy Pimblett isn’t waiting on big credits with a win vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 314 (Source: X)

He made it to #12 in the UFC 155-pound athlete rankings after the SOTY-contender win over King Green at UFC 304 PPV. “Baddy” is looking to make it into the upper echelon so he can fight for gold and knows he can make it. However, Paddy Pimblett said he gets a lot of flak and heat for ‘Dana White privilege‘ whenever he wins. A win over ex-Bellator champ Michael Chandler might just change all that.

Every fight, I get underestimated and overlooked, …But I’m getting in there now with someone who’s top 10, someone who’s fought all the legends in the division; So finally, I’m going to get in there and when I win, people can’t chat sh*t – but they will. The goal posts always get moved when I win. People will start saying stuff. But I’m going to be ranked No. 7 once this fight’s over, and I will be in title contention.

Paddy Pimblett during the UFC 314 PPV kickoff media presser and faceoffs

Currently 6-0 in the promotion, Paddy Pimblett is looking to make it big and even douses challenges to the champ. If he gets past Chandler, the UFC 314 fighter wants names like Dustin Poirier, Ilia Topuria, and others to finally be able to crack gold as top contender.

Related: Paddy Pimblett drags Dustin Poirier’s UFC contract after getting rejected for ‘legends only’ fight