Poirier retires from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/dustinpoirier
Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has once again criticized an old rival following the veteran fighter's difficult period in the UFC. 'The Diamond' recalled his relationship with Michael Chandler and questioned why the veteran continues to compete even after a losing streak in the organization.
In an interview with the UFC on Paramount YouTube channel, Poirier commented on Chandler's current form, which includes four consecutive losses in the organization. His most recent defeat came at the White House last month, when he was beaten by Brazilian Mauricio Ruffy, increasing the pressure on the fighter's future in the company.
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"With all due respect, we made peace and shook hands. But Michael Chandler , what are you doing?" declared Dustin Poirier.
Despite the criticism, the fighter emphasized that he maintains respect for his former opponent and revealed that the two made peace after their rivalry. The athletes faced each other at UFC 281 in 2022, in a duel marked by striking, but which ended with a victory for 'The Diamond' by submission in the third round.
At 40 years old, Chandler is going through a delicate phase and is looking for a reaction to break his losing streak. Since joining the organization in 2021, the American has accumulated two wins and six losses, with his last victory coming against Tony Ferguson in 2022.
Remember how Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler went down?
Poirier and Chandler faced off at UFC 281 in November 2022 in New York, in a lightweight bout. The fight was marked by a lot of action and twists and turns. In the third round, after a series of strikes and an intense ground battle, 'The Diamond' took advantage of an opening and submitted his rival with a rear-naked choke, securing one of the most important victories of his recent career.
The victory marked an important recovery for Dustin after his loss in the lightweight title fight against Charles Oliveira and kept the former interim champion among the top names in the division.
What was Poirier's last fight in the UFC like?
Poirier has retired from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/dustinpoirier
Dustin Poirier 's last fight took place at UFC 318 in July 2025, when he faced Max Holloway for the third time in his career. In a true five-round battle for the BMF belt, the fighter was ultimately defeated by unanimous decision, ending his MMA career after more than a decade in the UFC. The duel marked the official farewell of the American, who decided to hang up his gloves after building a career with great victories over names like Conor McGregor , Justin Gaethje , and Eddie Alvarez.
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