The rivalry between former interim UFC Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier and #6 ranked contender Michael Chandler is longstanding. Sparked in 2022 when they faced off at UFC 281, with Poirier emerging victorious. This animosity has recently reignited into a social media war, as showcased on the MMA Hour show hosted by Ariel Helwani.

After a clip of Dustin Poirier trash-talking Michael Chandler went viral, shared by an MMA-focused page on Twitter/X, it caught Chandler’s attention. He retweeted the clip with a verbal jab at Poirier. Poirier posted a series of tweets insulting “Iron Mike,” but Chandler deflected, responding simply, “No thanks..retire man…we good.”

In a recent development, Dustin Poirier appeared on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour show, where he continued to insult Chandler. Poirier criticized Chandler for not fighting consistently in the UFC and belittled his status, attributing it to his fight with Conor McGregor. He also accused Chandler of receiving special treatment from Dana White, saying, “I think he’s got Dana White privilege.”

On that note, Tony Ferguson, a UFC fighter, was the one who initially used the term “Dana White Privilege.” Because of Chandler’s close connection with UFC President Dana White, Ferguson said that Chandler received special treatment which “was kind of funny but it was also kind of true” as Chandler himself has remarked earlier.

However, this time, Chandler completely ignored that comment, leaving Poirier with a reminder that the rivalry is still on. When a compilation of interview clips was shared by the MMA page Championship Rounds on Twitter/X, Michael Chandler retweeted it, suggesting that he still occupies Dustin Poirier’s thoughts. Chandler captioned his tweet, “Dues paid but I’m living rent free💎.”

Additionally, in the same interview, Dustin Poirier shared his views on Michael Chandler waiting for two years to fight McGregor and revealed what he would do if he were in Chandler’s position.

Poirier criticizes Michael Chandler’s long wait for Conor McGregor clash

The fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler was first announced in 2023, with both serving as coaches on opposing teams for TUF 31. Although the fight was scheduled to take place shortly afterward, it has faced numerous delays due to McGregor’s doping controversies and Hollywood commitments. A few weeks before the scheduled fight, McGregor pulled out due to a pinky finger injury. This prolonged wait for Chandler does not sit well with Dustin Poirier.

Currently, there is a rumored date for McGregor vs. Chandler, potentially set for a UFC PPV in December 2024, but no official news has been confirmed. Emphasizing this, Dustin Poirier shared his thoughts on the situation. He suggested that if the fight materializes and Chandler manages things correctly afterward, it could financially secure him and his family.

However, Dustin Poirier also highlighted the risks, stating, “ If it doesn’t happen, you’re wasting a lot of years. In this game, we get old quickly. You leave two years and come back, you can look like a different person.” When asked by a reporter if he would have waited for “Notorious” if he were in Chandler’s place, Poirier replied, “I don’t think so. Not for two years, no.”

Now, the question for fans: Do you believe Michael Chandler truly has Dana White’s privileges, or is it just a rumor? Let us know in the comments.