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Dustin Poirier still hasn’t squashed his beef with Michael Chandler.

In 2022, Poirier choked out Chandler in the featured fight of UFC 281. Following his win, Poirier ripped into Chandler for being “a dirty motherf*cker” who committed multiple fouls during the fight, including accusing him of fish-hooking. Nearly two years since, that animosity still lingers.

Last week, Poirier hopped on social media to tease one final fight, and fired tweets at possible opponents like Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor. Chandler was quick to respond, telling Poirier to retire, which really bothered “The Diamond.”

“Who the f*ck is ‘we?!’” Poirier said Wednesday on The MMA Hour. “You just go here, buddy. You’re not one of us. You’re not ‘we.’ I’ve been here. ‘We’re good.’ Who’s we? Welcome to the UFC, dude. You’ve got one win in the UFC.

“He’s not one of us. I’ve been cutting my teeth in the UFC since January of 2011, 2010. He just got here. Who is we? He’s speaking for the lightweight division? Muscle Milk Mike needs to chill.”

Chandler’s response to Poirier comes as the former Bellator lightweight champion is stuck in limbo. Theoretically, Chandler is supposed to fight McGregor after the two served as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, but McGregor pulled out of their scheduled fight at UFC 303 with a toe injury, meaning Chandler has now been waiting for nearly two years for a fight that may never come. And while Poirier may have his issues with Chandler, he does at least understand the difficult position he’s in.

“He’s risking the chance of losing the fight if it ever materializes,” Poirier said. “But if he goes in there and loses to someone else, do they give him that Conor shot again? If he takes another fight does Conor move on and take a different fight as well?

“The payoff of beating Conor McGregor, financially and just for your career, is worth the wait. But if you never get it, you’re wasting a lot of years and you’re not a young man. These years are very important.

“I don’t know the way he is. I’m sure he’s got intelligent people around him helping him with his deals. I don’t know the way his contract is structured, but if it does happen and he did the right thing on the backend, he’s going to be paid and set his family up. But if it doesn’t, you’re wasting a lot of years and in this game we get old quick. You leave for two years — and I don’t know how old he is, 36? 37? You leave for two years and come back, you could look like a different person. But only he knows.”

Poirier, of course, had a memorable trilogy with McGregor, the final fight being the most recent time McGregor competed: when he shattered his leg at UFC 264. Those wins helped elevate “The Diamond” to one of the biggest stars in the UFC and set his family up for life financially. But looking back on things, Poirier says he wouldn’t have stuck around as long as Chandler has for this fight.

“I don’t think so. Not two years,” Poirier said. “I’d have to be in the position. It’s tough to say [how long I’d have waited]. After fighting him the second time in Abu Dhabi and then the way my contract was structured, I would have waited, probably — probably a year.”

Poirier most recently competed at UFC 302, losing his his lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev. Following the bout, Poirier hinted at retirement, but appears to not be set on anything at the moment.

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UFC

As promised, Anthony Smith cut a promo on Alex Pereira in the wake of UFC 303 — though it’s probably not the one fight fans were expecting.

That’s because “Lionheart” was defeated by Roman Dolidze back on June 29 in Las Vegas, shortly before “Poatan” defended his light heavyweight title by stopping Jiri Prochazka in the UFC 303 main event.

As a result, Smith has been booted from the Pereira sweepstakes.

“Alex and I have this very cool relationship,” Smith told co-host Michael Bisping on Believe You Me. “I think it’s very, very cool what we have going on. I lost and he won, he’s the champion, maybe there is nothing there, ever. We’re very … I think just competitive in general, but when we’re in person, I thought it was so cool how we have a lot of respect for each other. Because it’s not awkward in person, it’s really not. It’s a head nod, acknowledgement, we don’t talk or shake hands or anything like that but we have no problem standing right next to each other in a room, doing media together. Not together, but in the same areas at the same time.”

I guess this awkward video featuring Smith and Pereira was taken out of context.

“I think it’s really cool how we have this competitive thing … I don’t even wanna say it’s a negative thing, whatever it is, we kinda go back and forth from time to time. His team has always been so cool to me before, they’ve always been super cool to me,” Smith continued. “It’s unfair of me to speak about him as a fighter and then we get all this riled-up nonsense. I think it would be unfair of me to not say on the flip side how in social situations or when we’re in person, how super respectful he is and how kind his team and coaches and all those people around are. It’s unfair of me to only talk about him only as a competitor, everything’s always cool with us in person.”

That explanation should satisfy all those “stupid” UFC fans.

Smith, currently ranked No. 11 at 205 pounds, was an outspoken critic when it came to Pereira’s title reign, which led to some harsh words from the Brazilian striker. Perhaps that’s water under the bridge after UFC 303, or maybe Smith has finally acknowledged that “Poatan” is here to stay.

Sounds like No. 2-ranked Magomed Ankalaev is happy to pick up where “Lionheart” left off.

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Quinton “Rampage” Jackson may be getting back into the ring.

Jackson has not competed since a knockout loss to Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 237 back in 2019 (unless you count his foray into Fight Circus), but on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show, the former UFC light heavyweight champion revealed that he’s in talks for a boxing match with former opponent Rashad Evans.

“I saw [Evans] not too long ago,” Jackson said. “Him and I are talking about doing a boxing match against each other in November. We’re trying to get that going.”

This is a change of direction for Jackson, who previously targeted a boxing match against former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs. However, after that matchup repeatedly fell through, Jackson said he’s moving on.

“Bro, this motherf*cker called me out as soon as I got knocked out by Fedor,” Jackson said. “He called me out and he said he was going to promote the fight. MMA guys, we’re not promoters… Then we were supposed to fight and we finally had a show. We were going to do it in Qatar, but the guys that were putting it on, they turned out to be f*cking scam artists…”

“He’s still trying but I lost my faith in Shannon,” Jackson continued. “I don’t know if he’s going to get it done. He talks a good game. I hope he gets it done. If he ever gets it done, I’ll be game to fight him, but right now I guess my first boxing match is going to be against Rashad. I need to get that win back.”

Jackson and Evans have plenty of history together as the two served opposite one another as coaches on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter, and later fought in the main event of UFC 114 back in 2010. Evans won that fight by unanimous decision in a fight that still eats at Jackson. Now he’s hoping he can do something about that

“They were talking about in Atlanta,” Jackson said. “I’m not sure, but they said it was going to be under the ONE FC banner. I’m waiting for my manager to talk to them.”

Like Jackson, Evans has been out of action for some time. Evans came out of retirement in 2022 to end his MMA career on a win, defeating Gabriel Checco at Eagle FC 44 back in 2022.

ONE Championship will hold its third U.S. event on Nov. 8 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. The card is currently headlined by an MMA heavyweight title fight between Anatoly Malykhin and Reug Reug.

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Nate Diaz is open to a rubber match with Jorge Masvidal.

After surrendering a third-round TKO stoppage to ‘Gamebred’ inside the Octagon five years ago, Diaz evened the score with a majority decision victory in their critically acclaimed boxing clash in Anaheim. Though the decision came with a bit of controversy, the ‘Stockton Samurai’ came out on top, opening a lot of doors for the former UFC star.

Of course, the biggest question on the minds of fight fans is when could we see the trilogy fight between himself and Masvidal. Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Diaz let the door open for a third meeting with his longtime rival, though he declined to suggest that it would be anytime soon.

“That’s a whole ‘nother situation for later. I think we’re 1-0 on each other,” suggested Diaz. “He got a win in MMA, I got a win in boxing. So who knows what’s going to happen next with him, but at some point…”

Nate Diaz Wants to ‘whoop [jake paul’s] ass

Instead, Nate Diaz is focusing on a couple of other names. In particular, a rematch with the man who beat him in his professional boxing debut last year, Jake Paul.

‘The Problem Child’ welcomed Diaz to the squared circle in August 2023, securing a unanimous decision win over the TUF alumnus in Dallas. Since then, Paul has poked and prodded the Stockton native, attempting to draw him into a rematch in the world of mixed martial arts. However, Diaz appears to be much more interested in running it back with Paul in the sweet science.

Diaz also reiterated his interest in a rematch with reigning UFC welterweight world champion Leon Edwards.

“Just off the top of my head, I would like to whoop [Jake Paul’s] ass,” Diaz said. I would like to get a win against Leon Edwards, who is the best fighter in the world right now at 170. I think that’s something major, who’s actually going to bring something that I can take and put in the credential box. That’s what I’m going for. I’m not playing for no f*cking fun fights, because that sh*t ain’t fun” (h/t Cageside Press).

Edwards won their UFC 263 clash via a unanimous decision, but Diaz famously rocked ‘Rocky’ in the final minute of the fight, leading many to believe that Diaz would have scored a knockout had there been more time on the clock.

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Following his win over Jorge Masvidal in boxing this past weekend, Nate Diaz expressed interest in avenging a previous loss of his.

Diaz is keen to run it back with the current UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, despite no longer being signed to the promotion.

He faced “Rocky” back at UFC 263 in his second to last appearance inside the Octagon, where he lost the fight via unanimous decision.

During a recent podcast, former UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman disagreed on whether this rematch taking place is a possibility.

Henry Cejudo & Kamaru Usman Debate Nate Diaz Walking Straight Into A UFC Title Shot

Cejudo believes that given the name value and attention that Diaz brings to the table, he could potentially step back into a title shot. He said on the Pound 4 Pound podcast that a rematch with Edwards could potentially happen if both sides wanted it.

“He called out Leon Edwards for the strap at 170-pounds, you don’t think Dana would give it to him? You don’t think Dana would give him that fight? Remember dude, the UFC is an entertainment company and if he’s able to bring those pay-per-view numbers and especially if a guy like Leon Edwards calls for the fight, he could potentially get it.”

Usman, interrupted his podcast co-host, passionately disagreeing with Cejudo on the options that are currently available to Diaz.

He used Cejudo’s own career as an example of why the Stockton fighter wouldn’t be able to jump right back in at the top in the UFC, despite his profile.

“Let’s get serious here Henry, what?! You think, ‘Oh yes I want to fight Leon Edwards’ and he just jumps in and he gets a title shot? Are you serious? Come on Henry. Henry you were two-division champion and you came back and you fought Merab so basically, you had to earn the shot at Sean O’Malley. So you’re saying that he should just definitely come in and get it just because he has numbers?”

Usman also countered the point made by Cejudo regarding the narrative of the fight between Edwards and Diaz that went down in 2021.

Despite dominating the fight, the Brit had to face some adversity in the final moments of the contest after being caught clean by his opponent.

Usman does not believe that this one aspect is enough for a rematch to make sense between them at this stage in both men’s careers.

“He landed it, it was an incredible punch but that does not warrant him all because of that. He had one moment in the fight, we’re going to give him a title shot just because… get serious bro!”

• Read More: Darren Till Roasts Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal Boxing Match: ‘Fluffy Hands, Not A Lot Of Power, In No Fit Physical Shape…’

Continue Reading Kamaru Usman Slams Henry Cejudo For Suggesting Nate Diaz Walks Into UFC Title Shot Next: ‘You Were Two-Division Champ & Fought Merab!’ at MMA News.

MMA News

Former two-time women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will have her third fight in the flyweight division on Saturday in the UFC on ESPN 59 main event in Denver against the streaking Tracy Cortez.  

Namajunas made her flyweight debut in September 2023, losing to Manon Fiorot via unanimous decision.  In her second flyweight bout, Namajunas defeated Amanda Ribas by unanimous decision.  With her feet firmly planted in the new weight class, Namajunas eyes a second divisional title.  

“(With a win) I would say I’m right in that title contention talks.  God willing.  I’m healthy.  I’m in shape.  I’m ready to go with the win and whatever opportunities they want to give me.  I could see myself fighting for the belt really soon,” Namajunas told MMAJunkie Radio.  “It’s just a matter of doing my job and fighting to the best of my ability.”  

One of the reasons Namajunas moved up to the flyweight division was to make a run at becoming a two-division UFC champion.  It’s a goal that’s been in the back of her mind since early on in her career.    

“I’ve always thought about moving up eventually, so this is the perfect timing.  I just turned 32, so I don’t have that much time left in my career to do something like this,” Namajunas told Mad Dog Radio.  “Also, I want to become two-division champion.”

“This is my last goal that I want to achieve for my career as far as, not financially, but accolades and stuff.  Once I can become two-division champion then that’s kind of it for me I guess,” Namajunas continued.      

Namajunas will enter Saturday’s showdown with Cortez ranked sixth in the flyweight division and coming off a win.  Cortez will make the walk to the octagon in Denver ranked 11th and riding an 11-fight winning streak.  

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Jailton Almeida has issued multiple called callouts hoping to book a five-round heavyweight clash with former UFC interim champion Cyril Gane as the main event of the UFC Paris on Sept. 28, and he’s getting inpatient with the lack of response from “Bon Gamin”.

Almeida made short work of Alexandr Romanov at UFC 302 earlier this month, bouncing back from his first octagon defeat to Curtis Blaydes, and has since been cleared to train with no restrictions following a minor knee injury suffered during the bout. “Malhadinho” feels he’s the only option that makes sense for Gane since every other top-ranked heavyweight is currently booked except for Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich, who fought in Saudi Arabia.

“The only options now are myself and Volkov and he already beat Volkov in a very boring fight,” Almeida told MMA Fighting. “The game doesn’t match, it would be the exact same thing again, both fighters doing a very tactical, slow-paced fight. Almeida vs. Gane would be way more interesting not only because it’s a new match-up but also because of the clash of different styles.

“There’s no way this fight would go the distance. If I can impose my game, I will take him down and submit him. If he can impose his game, he will do everything he can to keep it on the feet and put on the show he’s used to.”

Almeida said he’s heard comments that neither Gane nor the UFC are interested in putting this fight together because it would be a bad match-up style-wise for the Frenchman, but “strongly” disagrees.

“First, Gane beat [Serghei] Spivac last year and his style is similar to mine,” Almeida said. “He defended the takedowns and walked through him on the feet to get the knockout. Also, I don’t see the UFC protecting anyone. The UFC wants to make the best fights possible. I was on a rise and they put me in Brazil against Blaydes, who was one of the worst match-ups for me, so I don’t think that makes sense.”

Gane has only lost twice in 14 professional MMA bouts, a pair of championship clashes with Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Almeida won seven of his eight UFC bouts with six finishes to his credit.

“My manager has talked to the UFC about my interest in this fight, I personally talked to [UFC matchmaker] Mick [Maynard] about this fight, and I’ve called out Gane on social media,” Almeida said. “I’m just waiting for this fight to happen. It’s in UFC’s and Gane’s hands. Let’s wait. I want to stay active because life is short for a fighter and I believe this fight could be a title eliminator and make me next in line for the belt.”

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