In the high stakes environment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), new grudges emerge all the time. Recently, we have witnessed some of the fiercest matches, like Belal Muhammad and Sean Strickland, and Khamzat Chimaev facing off with Dricus Du Plessis.
However, there appears to be a new possible face-off brewing amidst these prevailing sporting rivalries. This potential spat is between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, two heavyweights in the industry.
Poirier is currently approaching the end of his illustrious career, with one more consequential match believed to be in his sights. Somewhat surprisingly, he appears to be aiming his sights on Chandler, even going as far as publicly labeling him a fraud.
Whether this escalating tension leads to an actual high-profile fight or just adds to the ever-increasing drama of UFC, remains at the center of the fans’ anticipation.
In a recent interaction, Poirier was candid about his opinions of Chandler. He reflected on how their rapport has changed dramatically over a span of several years.
Poirier reminisced about time spent doing on-site visits at Bellator, a stage where Chandler was earlier proving his mettle. During that period, Chandler exhibited admiration for Poirier, commemorating his rise to the limelight with congratulatory fist bumps and an air of mutual respect.
But the camaraderie seemed to evaporate as soon as Chandler made his transition to UFC. The previously amicable relationship appeared to transgress into a stream of seemingly unwarranted scorn and challenges.
Now, as Poirier prepares for a significant final showdown, the temperature between themselves is noticeably escalating. Taking a hit at Chandler, Poirier expressed in clear terms, ‘To me, he’s only pretending. He might be a different person in his personal life, but from my interactions, he is just an imposter.’
Remaining animatedly engaged in this conversation, Poirier continues his blow-by-blow attack on Chandler. ‘We share this fighting communion, which only magnifies my resentment. If it comes down to it, I say – let’s go to the ring. Plus, he doesn’t play fair. I could elaborate incessantly. The mere thought of it raises my hackles.’
The blaring question on everyone’s mind is whether Poirier would choose Chandler as his adversary in his final match. While there is an unmistakable strain present, Chandler is currently slated to compete against Paddy Pimblett, which may cause a temporal mismatch.
In spite of their brewing tension, Poirier offered an interesting perspective. As UFC 314 comes closer, with tensions hanging palpably in the air, the man in question, Poirier, made his prediction.
Despite their simmering conflict, Poirier surprisingly backed Chandler to emerge victorious in his next match. Notwithstanding his criticisms of Chandler, he placed his trust in his combat skills.
This unpredictable backing by Poirier, regardless of their confrontation, adds another intricate facet to their tension-filled rapport. Poirier’s recognition of Chandler’s efficacy, even while nurturing a grudge with him, presents a fascinating paradox.
Time alone will determine whether they take their disagreement to the ring or if Poirier chooses to face a different contender altogether. However, one thing is clear – the fans can’t wait to see how their favorite, ‘The Diamond’ Poirier, chooses to put a capstone on his illustrious career.