UFC: Michael Chandler apologises for criticism of Dustin Poirier – ‘maybe I was a little bit too harsh’
- ‘Maybe the word quit was not the right word to use,’ Chandler says after shaming Poirier for tapping out to Charles Oliveira
- Former Bellator champ admits he has a ‘bone to pick’ with Poirier, however – ‘he’s dismissed me since day one’
Michael Chandler has walked back his comments shaming Dustin Poirier for tapping out to UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira this month.
The 35-year-old American (22-7) blasted Poirier for “quitting” in a series of tweets posted immediately after his submission defeat by the Brazilian at UFC 269 in Las Vegas.
“I will admit, maybe I was a little bit too harsh, maybe the word ‘quit’ was not the right word to use,” former Bellator champion Chandler told MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin on The Fighter vs The Writer.
“I also think Dustin Poirier has dismissed me since day one. I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I don’t think he thinks I’m a bad guy. But as a competitor he called me and Charles fighting ‘fool’s gold’ and he dismissed me saying he wouldn’t fight me in the UFC even after I knocked out Dan Hooker.
“I don’t think he’s a bad guy. He’s a great guy, a phenomenal ambassador for the sport. But when it comes to the competition aspect, fighting in the same division, I think we both have a bit of a bone to pick with each other.”
Oliveira (32-8, 1 no contest) claimed the vacant lightweight title by knocking out Chandler in a dramatic second-round comeback, having seen the American fend off his rear-naked choke attempt in the first round.
“I also got my back taken by Charles. He almost had that choke locked up. I’ve been in that position and I’ve been able to get out of it,” Chandler added.
“But I will concede maybe using the word ‘quit’ was a little harsh, especially against one of the good guys in MMA. It was probably a little bit too critical.”
Former interim champ Poirier’s defeat by “Do Bronx” was his second failed bid at the undisputed belt, and could pave the road for a showdown with No 5-ranked Chandler, with the rest of the division’s top echelon all seemingly booked up.
“I have never tapped. It doesn’t make me tougher or better than anybody. Maybe I’ll eat my words some day,” Chandler said.
“Sorry to anybody who I offended who loves Dustin Poirier. Sorry for anybody out there who thought it was a little bit too critical. But that’s how I was feeling. I love this sport, I love this division, I love fighting.”
