Watch: Daniel Cormier Mediates Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier Following UFC 276 Incident

Ever since stepping into the UFC, Michael Chandler has gone back and forth with the former interim lightweight champ, Dustin Poirier, publicly expressing his disdain for the Diamond.

The two UFC lightweight contenders nearly came to blows when they were at the T-Mobile Arena to watch UFC 276 headlined by Israel Adesanya vs Jared Cannonier. Both lightweights were sitting side-cage when Poirier pointed at Chandler which initiated a verbal spat.

Security had to intervene. The whole incident was filmed by UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns, who accompanied both stars. In the video, Poirier was seen shouting “a fake motherf—” at Chandler.

This incident happened even before their fight was announced. There was something already brewing between them.

And to answer that question, both Poirier and Chandler joined UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier at his podcast DC&RC, clearing the speculations surrounding this altercation.

Poirier (28-7 MMA, 20-6 UFC) and Chandler (23-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) are scheduled to meet each other in the octagon on November 12 at UFC 281.

Chandler has had a mixed start to his UFC stint till now, winning two and losing two. But the Tennessee native has shown glimpses of what he can still achieve in the company as he is coming off a Knockout of the Year contender against Tony Ferguson this past May at UFC 274.

Meanwhile, Poirier hasn’t fought since losing to then-champion Oliveira. Poirier has come close to that lightweight gold two times so far but on both occasions, he came short.

But despite the losses, Poirier isn’t giving up on the idea of wrapping that strap around his waist one day. And for that, he knows he has to get past a tough challenge of Chandler. It’s still all to fight for in this ever-competitive lightweight division.