Michael Chandler says he is over Dustin Poirier, but believes Poirier still thinks about him.
Recently, Poirier criticized Chandler on a podcast, calling him fake and a cheater after their UFC 281 fight in November 2022, where Poirier defeated Chandler. Poirier accused Chandler of cheating by blowing blood into his eyes and sticking fingers in his mouth.
In an interview, Chandler was asked about Poirier’s remarks.
“I don’t have a reaction, and I don’t worry about what Dustin Poirier thinks of me,” Chandler said. “It seems I occupy a lot of space in his mind, while he doesn’t in mine.”
Chandler is scheduled to fight Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event of UFC 314 in Miami in April.
Poirier has hinted at one more fight, possibly in New Orleans, his home state. Chandler said he would be happy to fight Poirier again after the Pimblett fight, for one reason.
“I would definitely be Dustin’s retirement fight,” Chandler stated. “He’s a legend, and I mean that genuinely. It’s not about revenge or animosity. I want to fight him because he’s a legend.”
“We’ll see. I’ll recover after fighting Paddy Pimblett in April, and he’s mentioned fighting in July or August. I’d be willing to go to New Orleans then. I’m ready to fight and would be there for his retirement fight out of respect, and I’d be happy to fight him in the octagon. We’ll see what happens.”
