The rivalry between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler is one of the most intense in recent UFC history. While the two fighters are both respected for their skills inside the octagon, their relationship outside the cage has been filled with tension, leading to animosity between them. But why exactly does Dustin Poirier have such disdain for Michael Chandler?

The roots of their rivalry began to grow after their interactions leading up to their respective bouts in the UFC lightweight division. While Poirier is known for his calm, respectful demeanor, Chandler’s brash and often outspoken persona rubbed Poirier the wrong way. Chandler, who joined the UFC in 2021 after a successful career in Bellator, quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive fighting style and relentless trash talk. For Poirier, who has always tried to stay focused on his own journey and avoid unnecessary drama, Chandler’s loud persona became a source of frustration.

Things began to heat up after Chandler’s comments about Poirier’s career and legacy. Chandler, in an attempt to build hype for their potential fight, called out Poirier multiple times, claiming that Poirier wasn’t as great as he thought he was and needed to prove himself further. These remarks struck a nerve with Poirier, who felt that Chandler was belittling his accomplishments and achievements in the UFC, especially considering Poirier had fought and beaten some of the best in the world, including Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.

But it wasn’t just the verbal jabs that escalated the tension—it was the underlying disrespect Poirier felt was coming from Chandler. Poirier felt that Chandler was attempting to use him as a stepping stone to further his own career, seeing Poirier as an easy target for a big win. This didn’t sit well with the former interim lightweight champion, who has always believed in earning every victory the hard way, through discipline and respect for the sport.

The real breaking point came during their public interactions before a potential fight. Poirier was vocal about not respecting Chandler’s approach to the sport, particularly his desire to create drama and use trash talk for promotional purposes. Poirier, who had faced plenty of challenges in his career without resorting to theatrics, felt that Chandler was more interested in creating a spectacle than in focusing on the art of fighting.

While both fighters are undeniably talented, Poirier’s hatred for Chandler seems to be driven by the perception that Chandler’s personality and antics detract from the sport. Poirier, who has always been a fighter’s fighter, didn’t appreciate the spectacle that Chandler brought, especially when it felt like it was at the expense of genuine respect in the sport.

This animosity came to a head in their own personal exchanges, and while many UFC fans expected this rivalry to play out in an explosive fight, it’s clear that Poirier’s frustration with Chandler runs deeper than just competitive spirit. It’s about the way Chandler has carried himself in the UFC, which, in Poirier’s eyes, has been disrespectful to both the sport and its athletes.

In conclusion, Dustin Poirier’s hatred for Michael Chandler is rooted in a clash of personalities. While both men are exceptional fighters, Poirier’s distaste for Chandler stems from his perception of Chandler’s disrespectful behavior, trash-talking, and tendency to stir the pot for the sake of promotion. For Poirier, the focus has always been on respecting the sport, its history, and his fellow competitors—values he believes Chandler doesn’t fully embrace. This rivalry, fueled by personal differences, could very well lead to a heated showdown inside the octagon, but the animosity between these two goes beyond just a fight—it’s a clash of values and approaches to the sport.