Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Dustin Poirier softens view on Michael Chandler after 13 hours filming together

Originally posted on HITC | By Christopher De Santiago | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 1:31 PM ET

It seems like Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler have put their past differences behind them.

They once faced off as rivals in the UFC’s lightweight division, but these days, Poirier and Chandler are working together on the set of the sequel to Road House remake.

The first film included Conor McGregor, and this follow-up brings in more familiar names from MMA. Alongside the former rival duo, fans can expect appearances from Tyron Woodley, Stephen Thompson, and Michael ‘Venom’ Page.

Poirier and Chandler had a heated build-up to their fight at UFC 281 three years ago. Their rivalry included plenty of back-and-forth jabs in interviews and press conferences, with ‘The Diamond’ at one point accusing ‘Iron’ of cheating during their fight.

This has led many to wonder how they would get along while filming Road House 2. Chandler recently shared that they managed to clear the air on set. Poirier also touched on this in a recent interview.

Dustin Poirier admits he may have been wrong about Michael Chandler

According to Poirier, there was no tension with Chandler while filming the movie.

After their UFC 281 bout, which ‘The Diamond’ won by third-round submission in a ‘Fight of the Night’ performance, the two had a heated exchange.

Over time, they have revisited and discussed their rivalry more than once.

“We were on a movie set for 13 hours a day.

“It was cool. Normal interactions, nothing crazy at all.

“Maybe I was wrong all these years, maybe he’s not a bad guy,” Poirier said on The Bohnfire Podcast with Mike Bohn.

Dustin Poirier fought Michael Chandler at Madison Square Garden

It has been three years since Poirier and Chandler faced off at UFC 281.

The fight was in New York, more precisely at Madison Square Garden.

This weekend, UFC 322 returns to the same venue. Islam Makhachev faces Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title, a fight that could see him become a two-division champion.

Chandler has not had much success fighting at MSG, holding an 0-4 record in the venue.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: