Dustin Poirier has publicly called on Michael Chandler to consider retirement following Chandler’s latest setback, a first-round TKO defeat to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.
Poirier, who retired in 2025 after a BMF title loss to Max Holloway and concerns about his brain health, pointed to Chandler’s recent struggles. The 40-year-old is on a four-fight skid, with three of those losses coming by stoppage, and Poirier referenced Chandler having taken significant damage during a 1-6 run over the past five years.
"With all due respect, we buried the hatchet and shook hands," Poirier said of their past rivalry. "But Michael Chandler, what are we doing?" He added, "I saw a thing, I don't know if this is official news, but he said he might move up to welterweight," before questioning, "If 155ers are stopping you and you're taking all this damage, what are 170ers going to do? He's too short. He's not long enough. I want to know what he's fighting for?"
Poirier stated that Chandler should consider joining him in retirement rather than continuing on after sustained damage. Chandler, a former Bellator champion, has previously discussed the possibility of moving up to welterweight, according to Poirier.
