Dustin Poirier calls for Michael Chandler to retire: ‘What are you doing?’

Dustin Poirier has questioned Michael Chandler's decision to continue fighting, urging the former Bellator champion to consider retirement after a tough stretch in the UFC.

Chandler, 40, suffered his fourth consecutive loss last month when Mauricio Ruffy knocked him out at UFC White House. The result extended his UFC record to just 2–6, prompting speculation about how much longer the veteran has left in the sport. Despite the losses and damage accumulated, Chandler signalled on social media that he plans to "get back on the horse," and has reportedly considered a move up to welterweight.

Speaking on the Deep Waters podcast, Poirier expressed bewilderment at Chandler's commitment to continue. "With all due respect, we've buried the hatchet and shook hands, but Michael Chandler, what are you doing?" Poirier said. He pointed out the logic problem in Chandler's struggles: "If 155ers are stopping you and you're taking all this damage, what are 170s gonna do?"

Poirier, who retired last year, reflected on the broader challenge fighters face when assessing their own decline. He explained that competitors often convince themselves they can still perform at a high level, even when evidence suggests otherwise. "The fighter is the last one to know," Poirier said, noting that losses in the gym don't always penetrate a fighter's confidence on fight night. He added that the persistence of a fighter's power—often the last physical attribute to fade—keeps them chasing that one finishing blow, even as reflexes and hand speed diminish.

If Chandler does fight again, Poirier suggested he'd be open to seeing him face Conor McGregor, should McGregor recover from injury and have bouts remaining on his contract.