UFC veteran Michael Johnson impressed the Tampa audience when he knocked out Ottman Azaitar at the last UFC installment before the end of the year. The 38-year-old veteran put on a show against Azaitar at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Florida to close off the prelims, pulling off a second-round knockout victory by way of right hook. The entire MMA community is impressed by the event, including Michael Chandler, who might have pulled Dustin Poirier’s legs while praising Johnson’s victory.

After witnessing the KO, the former Bellator champion took to his social media handle to praise Johnson, “Best right hook in UFC history. Never forgot this one. #UFC Tampa.” Chandler might have played a double game here; while praising ‘The Menace,’ ‘Iron’ also took a dig at Dustin Poirier, who was knocked out in a similar fashion by Michael Johnson.

‘The Menace’ is one of the very few fighters, who have knocked out Dustin Poirier in his MMA career. Johnson and Poirier fought at the luminary UFC 94: St-Pierre vs. Penn 2 card. Both of them were up-and-coming stars in their division, ‘Diamond’ was the favorite to win the bout but ‘Menace’ had some other plans. Michael Johnson silenced his critics with a stunning first-round knockout, delivering a lightning-fast right-left combination that dramatically dropped Poirier. The spectacular finish stands as one of the most impressive highlights of Johnson’s career and a bold statement to the division.

Years have passed since that incident but it appears that the ghost of the past might have been invoked by Michael Chandler, who is looking for a fight after the Conor McGregor fiasco. Interestingly, Dustin Poirier is looking to fight as well. Could this back-and-forth lead to a rivalry that culminates in a retirement fight? Well, we might not know that for now but what we do know is the fact that the fans went completely ballistic on Michael Chandler for his comments.

Fans raze fire against Michael Chandler for his words on Dustin Poirier

When you attack one of the most loved MMA fighters of all time, then you should be ready for repercussions as Michael Chandler has been hilariously called out by a fan, who reminded him about his last loss against Charles Oliveira that happened at UFC 309, “Micheal acting like he didn’t just lose.”

Furthermore, a social media user has a unique proposition for the former Bellator champion, “Chandler should challenge ranked 10 above fighters” Michael Chandler vs. Dustin Poirier happened back in the UFC 281 in 2022 and it was nothing but an absolute cimena. Both of the fighters fought toe-to-toe with Chandler giving a bit of a hard time to ‘Diamond’ but it was Poirier who had the last laugh as he submitted the former Bellator champion in the third round to clinch the victory, “And how did Dustin and Chandlers fight end?”

A curious fan asserted that Michael Chandler might not have any intention of dissing Dustin Poirier but who knows, “I think he’s just giving props to Michael Johnson?”

Well, another fan gave a harsh reality check to Chandler, “He must’ve thought the RNC @dustinpoirier had him in was a fever dream. @mikechandlermma you’re 2-4 in the ufc. Washed Tony and pre-tatted Hooker. I guess you gotta take the anger from 2 years wasted on someone tho, I get it.” Last but not the least, another fan called out Chandler,“What a weirdo Chandler is”

Both Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier lost their last bouts, and a rematch between them could work wonders for the promotion. However, will Dana White consider it? Only time will tell.