No one expected Michael Chandler’s fiercest rival to become one of his biggest supporters in his upcoming battle against 30-year-old Paddy Pimblett. Last week, Dustin Poirier stunned everyone by backing ‘Iron’, despite their heated rivalry—especially after ‘The Diamond’ once labeled the Missouri export “a dirty motherf—-r” following their UFC 281 clash in 2022. Since that fight, the two have regularly exchanged barbs on social media.Now, with just over a month remaining until the UFC 314 showdown between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett, Poirier’s unexpected endorsement has caught many by surprise. Last month, when a fan asked ‘The Diamond’ for his thoughts on the fight, he wrote on X, “Even though he’s a bi–h, Chandler all day, go heavy on the money.” Fans quickly began questioning the reason behind the Louisiana export’s apparent shift in allegiance.Recently, the former 155lbs interim champ opened up about his earlier statement in an interview with MMA Fighting, offering further insight into his change of heart. He explained, “For some reason, I just have a feeling he’s going to finish Paddy. And like you said, I’m not a… I enjoy watching him, right? Just our interactions haven’t been the best, but I just think Paddy hasn’t fought somebody like Chandler in the UFC yet. The power, the grit, but also just the resume of Chandler. He’s fought the best of the best for a long time, multiple-time world champion.”Known for his sharp analysis, now also an ESPN analyst, Dustin Poirier, brings 16 years of MMA experience to the table. Like Poirier, Michael Chandler has a long career, starting with victories in regional circuits before making his way through various American MMA promotions, including Strikeforce, before its acquisition by the UFC. From 2010 to 2020, ‘Iron’ spent a decade in Bellator, where he faced top-tier opponents like Lloyd Mix, Patricky Pitbull, and Eddie Alvarez. ‘Iron’ also became a three-time Bellator champion, defending his titles multiple times.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 07: Michael Chandler is seen on stage during UFC X 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on July 07, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)However, the Missouri native entered the UFC later in his career at age 34, an age that isn’t ideal for joining the world’s premier promotion, particularly considering the UFC’s lightweight division is one of the most competitive in the sport. Despite ‘The Diamond’ backing the former Bellator champ for this upcoming fight, his animosity towards him remains owing to his past “dirty” actions. Let’s hear directly from Dustin Poirier on why he feels this way.Dustin Poirier reflects on the genesis of his intense rivalry with Michael ChandlerOriginally, Dustin Poirier held Michael Chandler in high regard, seeing him as a fighter of “respect” and honor. However, as ‘Iron’ made his way to the UFC, things shifted. So, what sparked this dramatic change? According to the Lafayette export, it was Chandler’s unprovoked trash talk that led to a confrontation. The two crossed paths at UFC Vegas, where Poirier confronted the former Bellator champion, calling him a “little b—h.”This interaction ultimately led to the UFC booking their highly anticipated showdown at UFC 281. That night, the two warriors went to battle inside the Octagon, both fighters leaving the cage bloodied. In the end, ‘The Diamond’ secured a rear-naked choke, claiming victory. Though time has passed since their brutal encounter, Poirier still sees ‘Iron’ as “a fake man.”MMA: UFC 281-Weigh Ins, Toppic Nov 11, 2022, New York, NY, USA Michael Chandler gestures during weigh-ins for UFC 281. New York NY USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJessicaxAlchehx 20221111_jma_is4_058In an interview with Outta Pocket with RG III, the Louisiana native expressed his frustration, saying, “He’s a cheater! I could go on for days. I get so amped up about this. He does all sorts of stuff, man. Blows the blood in my eyes after I break his nose – that’s cool, I’ve done that before, I admitted it after. And then Chandler, I brought it up, and he said he didn’t do it! Like, just admit it, bro, you’re so fake. Then he stuck his fingers in my mouth to lift my neck up for a rear-naked choke, right? . . . Bro, I bit his fingers so hard. . . . If I didn’t have a mouthguard on my top teeth, I might have bitten his fingers off.”How do you see the upcoming fight between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 playing out? Do you think the Tennessee native will fulfill Dustin Poirier’s prediction, and can he overcome the challenge ‘The Baddy’ presents? Share your thoughts below!The post “He’s Going To Finish Paddy” – Dustin Poirier Lays Out Cold Assessment of Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett UFC 314 Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.