Even with retirement, former UFC star Dustin Poirier does not intend to leave Michael Chandler van de Haak.
Poirier concluded his 18-year career in mixed martial arts in July, when he challenged Max Holloway for the symbolic BMF title in the UFC 318 main event. In a memorable five-round battle, Poirier was defeated by Holloway before putting the gloves for his home fans in New Orlans.
'The Diamond' was 2-3 about his last five fights in UFC, but both victories on that run were impressive. His last victory came through knockout against Benoit Saint-Denis, while his penultimate triumph in the Octagon saw him the first that Chandler underwent in MMA.
Given the heat between the two Americans, it tasted that in Madison Square Garden undoubtedly sweet for the former interim -thuikc lightweight champion.
Dustin Poirier trolls Michael Chandler with 'Muscle Milk Mike' Name
Poirier fought Chandler on UFC 281, an event in November 2022 that was led by a few title fights. Before Alex Pereira stopped Israel Adesanya to become a middleweight, Zhang Weili Carla Esparza submitted to start her second reign as a stream weight queen.
The stage for those championship movements was set by 'The Diamond' and 'Iron', who set up the fight of the night in New York City. Poirier made Chandler Tap on a coded choke in round three to appear at the victory end of the MSG war.
It is sufficient to say that things were not exactly friendly in the aftermath. Poirier accused Chandler van Valreenpen by trying to fish him in a choke. And even years later, the Louisianan apparently still has resentment.
A few weeks away from his retirement in De Kooi, Poirier recently focused on Chandler again after he was tagged in a post from a fan with a video of his victory over the former triple Bellator champion.
'The Diamond' had a familiar reaction and brought his nickname to Chandler back into the spotlight.
“Muscle Milk Mike,” wrote Poirier on X.
Michael Chandler still strives for an achievement that is achieved by Dustin Poirier
One of the greatest victories of the UFC career in Poirier came over the bitter rival Conor McGregor in 2021.
After Poirier became the first to eliminate McGregor in their Rematch and his fast TKO defeat seven years earlier, 'De Diamant' came, 'De Diamant' came out of their trilogy fight on UFC 264 with a 2-1 lead over 'The Notorious'.
McGregor has not fought anymore since he broke his leg in that controversial pay-per-view Main Event, and that is originally booked to fight Chandler on UFC 303 last summer.
'Iron' was sidelined for two years while he waited for the Irish's comeback. That infertile decision cost him an important period in his career, but Chandler continues to call McGregor.
Although many have written off every chance that the former champion camp will return, the planned UFC event in the White House has fueled a new comeback conversation next year and even led McGregor to return to the drug test bath.