Poirier questions Chandler’s next step

Dustin Poirier has questioned why Michael Chandler would continue fighting after a fourth consecutive defeat, saying his former opponent should be considering whether it is time to retire. Chandler was knocked out by Mauricio Ruffy last month, extending a difficult UFC run that stands at 2-6. The loss prompted Chandler to say on social media that he was ready to “get back on the horse,” but Poirier said he does not understand what is driving that decision.

The two fighters were once bitter rivals, but Poirier said they have since put that history behind them. His comments were not framed as an attempt to revive their feud. Instead, Poirier focused on the damage Chandler has taken and the question facing an experienced fighter after a prolonged losing stretch. Chandler is 40 years old, and Poirier said the people around a fighter can often recognize the need to stop before the fighter reaches the same conclusion. Chandler has also suggested that a move to welterweight could be possible, a prospect Poirier addressed with clear skepticism.

Poirier asks what Chandler is fighting for

Speaking on the Deep Waters show, Poirier said, “With all due respect, we’ve buried the hatchet and shook hands, but Michael Chandler, what are you doing?” He followed that by raising the possibility of Chandler competing at welterweight. Poirier stressed that he had not seen official confirmation of a division change, but he had seen Chandler say he might move up. His response centered on the physical consequences of that choice. “If 155ers are stopping you and you’re taking all this damage, what are 170s gonna do?” Poirier said. “I want to know what he’s fighting for.” The remarks came after Chandler’s knockout loss to Ruffy, his fourth defeat in a row. Chandler’s UFC record is 2-6, while the former Bellator lightweight champion has continued to signal that he intends to compete again rather than step away immediately.

Poirier retired last year, and he spoke from that perspective when describing why retirement can be difficult for fighters to choose. He said the fighter is often “the last one to know,” while people around them may already believe it is time to stop. In Poirier’s view, confidence can survive even poor gym sessions and a run of losses because a competitor believes everything will come together once the fight begins. He said that mindset is reinforced by punching power, which he described as the last thing to go. A fighter may accept that speed, reactions and hands are slower, Poirier explained, yet still believe one clean shot can change a fight. That belief, he said, is what can keep someone coming back.

A possible final fight remains in Poirier’s view

Poirier did leave room for one scenario in which he could understand Chandler fighting again. He mentioned a matchup with Conor if Conor recovers and has a fight left on his contract, noting that Chandler had long been linked to that bout. Poirier did not present that fight as confirmed, nor did he identify a date, location or agreement. His broader point remained unchanged: Chandler’s stated desire to return raises difficult questions after the Ruffy loss and the four-fight skid. For Poirier, a possible move to welterweight does not answer those questions. He viewed the idea through the damage Chandler has absorbed at lightweight and asked why facing larger opponents would offer a better path.

• Poirier said he and Chandler have “buried the hatchet and shook hands,” separating his retirement comments from their past rivalry.
• Poirier questioned a possible welterweight move, saying he did not know whether it was official and asking what larger opponents would do if lightweights were already stopping Chandler.

Chandler has indicated that he is prepared to continue, while Poirier has publicly challenged the logic of that plan. The disagreement is not about whether Chandler can still believe in his power; Poirier said that belief is precisely what makes retirement so hard for fighters to choose. It is about what Chandler’s recent losses, accumulated damage and possible weight-class change mean for the next decision he makes.