Michael Chandler was given no easy fights when he joined the UFC. Being thrown into the deep end from the get go, Chandler found success in his UFC debut against Dan Hooker in 2021, but failed to capture lightweight gold in his next fight against Charles Oliveira. With UFC 309 on the horizon, ‘Iron Mike’ has a chance to settle the score with ‘du Bronx’. However, another fighter that Chandler has scores to settle with is Dustin Poirier inside the Octagon.

Having beat Michael Chandler before, ‘The Diamond’ praised NCAA Division-1 wrestler’s tenacity, athleticism and his passion for the sport. However, he also criticized what he perceives as Chandler’s reckless, brawling approach, especially in high-stakes fights. So what does Michael Chandler feel about the rivalry? The former Bellator champion feels he is not the best option at the moment in his career. Much like Oliveira, Chandler thinks he has what it takes to beat Dustin Poirier, but the former Bellator champion doesn’t think the former lightweight champion is open to facing him again.

Michael Chandler opens up on his rivalry with Dustin Poirier before UFC 309

During his recent UFC 309 media day appearance, ‘Iron’ shared his honest opinion about his long-time rivalry with ‘The Diamond’ – “Dustin’s got a win over me, he never gonna take a chance with [me in] one of his last couple of fights – to put that on the line and lose to me, and have that stain on him for the rest of his life. So, I know that for sure and I am not really worried about it. I mean, I will be ranked ahead of him [after] Saturday night at midnight when I beat Charles Oliveira. Chandler further said this about Poirier – “Maybe some day we will squash the beef [or] probably not. I think we will at some point. Right now we are just two dudes in the same division looking towards the same thing.” 

Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler’s rivalry is one of the most intense in recent UFC history, fueled by contrasting fighting styles, personalities, and mutual respect layered with tension. When they first clashed at UFC 281 in November 2022, it was a war from start to finish, showcasing Chandler’s powerful wrestling and Poirier’s precise striking. Poirier ultimately won via third-round submission, but the fight was packed with dramatic momentum swings, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

Despite winning, Dustin Poirier wasn’t happy with the way Michael Chandler handled himself in their fight. ‘The Diamond’ accused ‘Iron Mike’ of being a dirty fighter as Chandler tried to fish-hook Poirier’s mouth while trying to secure a rear-naked choke. Nevertheless, Dustin Poirier will closely watch the rematch between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler. Having faced both fighters in the past, Poirier has an idea of who he thinks will walk away as the winner in the UFC 309 co-main event.

Dustin Poirier has a clear-cut favorite at UFC 309 between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler has a lot to prove when he takes on Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 309 on November 16th. This lightweight clash revisits their 2021 encounter at UFC 262, where Oliveira claimed the vacant lightweight title by finishing Chandler in a thrilling, come-from-behind victory in the second round. Both fighters are eager to get back into title contention, adding intensity to this co-main event at Madison Square Garden. For Chandler, this fight is an opportunity to avenge his previous loss after a two-year hiatus from the Octagon.

His preparation has emphasized explosive striking and control in grappling exchanges, though his penchant for high-risk moves adds an unpredictable edge. However, Poirier doesn’t quite feel think highly of Chandler’s preparation and feels the Brazilian has an edge in the fight. “I think it’s a fun matchup, but I think if Charles Oliveira goes into this fight with the same mindset he had when I fought him or the first time Chandler fought him, I think he’s going to get the win. Chandler’s very explosive, an incredible athlete, and can hurt or finish Charles, but I just think Charles is going to be better everywhere—on the feet and on the ground.”, said Dustin Poirier to journalist Brendan Fitzgerald.

Do you think Michael Chandler will find sweet vengeance against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309? If so, will he find himself in the title contention conversation? Let us know in the comments below.