The world of UFC never lacks in variety, with emergent rivalries such as Belal Muhammad against Sean Strickland, and Khamzat Chimaev opposing Dricus Du Plessis. However, a new potential match-up seems to be on the horizon – Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler. As Poirier navigates the twilight of his career in search of a final astonishing showdown, he’s started to take verbal shots at Chandler, who he’s tagged as disingenuous.
Whether or not these verbal exchanges will culminate in an actual fight or merely escalate the drama remains to be seen. Regardless, it is undeniable that fans are watching this development keenly. Lately, Dustin Poirier has expressed his grievances against Michael Chandler, retrospecting how their relationship altered over time.
Poirier reminisced on his visit to Bellator, the stage on which Chandler was a dominant force at that time. Poirier recalled how Chandler had treated him with deference, appreciating his journey and rise to prominence. He remembered the celebratory handshakes and fist bumps, symbolic of their mutual respect.
However, everything appeared to alter dramatically once Chandler transitioned to UFC. The respect Chandler previously demonstrated towards Poirier metamorphosed into public taunts and challenges. With Poirier now pivoting his attention towards a final significant showcase, the dynamics between Chandler and him seem to be shedding sparks.
Poirier hasn’t minced his words against Chandler, alleging him of being ‘a sham.’ In Poirier’s perspective, Chandler’s professional persona and his actual demeanor are in conflict. ‘I’ve had it with this guy. We involve ourselves in this tough sport and he hasn’t been genuine. Let’s square it out in the ring. I can’t stand him. He’s not honest. If only I could express how infuriated I am,’ remarked Poirier.
One intriguing possibility hovering around is whether Poirier will choose Chandler for his finale, or will he opt for a different contender. The roadmap isn’t straightforward with Chandler already being scheduled to face off against Paddy Pimblett. The inkling that Poirier’s timeline might not sync with Chandler’s creates a shroud of doubt over the prospective clash.
Yet, the wall of tension standing between them can’t be brushed away. Juxtaposed against the looming UFC 314 and the escalating heat, Poirier has laid down his forecast. Despite their personal antagonism, Poirier endorses Chandler’s victory, stirring up a whirlpool of contradictions.
His denunciations of Chandler don’t stem from denying his abilities in the ring. On the contrary, he validated Chandler’s skills, in spite of their interpersonal feud. This creates a fascinating twist to the narrative where Poirier stands in recognition of Chandler’s prowess while maintaining their enmity.
Whether Poirier will select Chandler for the ultimate showdown or choose a different adversary remains uncertain. The growing anticipation around how will ‘The Diamond’, Poirier, put an end to his illustrious career is palpable.
Some see the potential match between Poirier and Chandler resolving their heated rivalry; others think he may opt to fight a different opponent. Regardless, spectators are brimming with eagerness to witness how Poirier will wind up his remarkable legacy in the UFC.
In such climbing tensions, it is interesting to see Poirier backing Chandler to emerge victorious in his upcoming clash. As he lays bare his contradictions – criticising Chandler the man, while acknowledging Chandler the fighter, it adds yet another intriguing facet to this intense rivalry.