Nov 12, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Dustin Poirier (red gloves) and Michael Chandler (blue gloves) during UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

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Michael Chandler’s Former Opponent To Return As Desk Analyst For UFC 314!

Michael Chandler former opponent to analyse his fight against Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event of UFC 314!

Nov 12, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Dustin Poirier (red gloves) and Michael Chandler (blue gloves) during UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC commentary booth and analyst desk has seen many fighters step behind the desk. From Daniel Cormier’s infectious laugh to Dominick Cruz’s technical breakdowns, fighters bring unique insights to broadcasts. These transitions from fighter to analyst create some of the most authentic moments in sports broadcasting.

There is something special about hearing a fighter explain the mental and physical challenges that viewers just witnessed in the octagon. The raw emotion and technical knowledge combine to give fans a deeper understanding of the sport they love. The upcoming UFC 314 event in Miami is no different as the UFC has assembled an all-star broadcast crew.

Also Read: “One Foot On His Throat” – Michael Chandler Has A Violently Threatening Message For Next Opponent!

Michael Chandler’s Former Opponent To Analyse His Fight

Michael Chandler has had several wars in the UFC, but none more iconic than the one against Dustin Poirier. The Louisiana native stands out among the fighter-analysts with his straightforward style and fighter’s perspective. ‘The Diamond’ first tried his hand at desk analysis back in 2021 after recovering from his second title fight loss to Charles Oliveira. His natural ability to break down fights and honest assessments quickly made him a fan favorite.

He will return to the analyst desk alongside Chael Sonnen and Anthony Smith for UFC 314. This marks Poirier’s first analyst appearance of 2025, bringing his fighter’s perspective to the pay-per-view. He joins the veteran broadcast team featuring Joe Rogan, Jon Anik, and Daniel Cormier on commentary. The April 12 event at the Kaseya Center will showcase Poirier’s analytical skills as he breaks down the fights for viewers.

#UFC314 broadcast team set: Joe Rogan on commentary, Dustin Poirier returns as desk analyst (via @MikeBohn) https://t.co/mRv2VEQXNe
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 6, 2025

Poirier’s analyst role creates an interesting dynamic for UFC 314. He brings not just fighting knowledge but the experience of facing one of the division’s most explosive athletes. His insights on Chandler’s tendencies could prove valuable to viewers. Poirier has shown remarkable professionalism in previous broadcast roles despite personal feelings. His ability to separate personal feelings from professional analysis has earned respect. Still, fans will listen closely for any subtle jabs or references to their controversial bout.

The Chandler-Poirier Rivalry Continues

The selection of Poirier as analyst brings an interesting subplot to UFC 314. His bitter rivalry with Michael Chandler remains one of the sport’s most heated feuds. Their November 2022 fight at Madison Square Garden ended with Poirier submitting Chandler in the third round. But the bad blood didn’t stop when the bell rang.

Poirier publicly accused Michael Chandler of “dirty” tactics during their fight. He revealed that the former Bellator champion fish-hooked him and grabbed the inside of his gloves during the fight. These accusations created lasting tension between the two lightweight stars. Chandler somewhat accepted these, but he believes that it was all in the heat of the battle and he did not intentionally play dirty.

The aftermath of their fight saw both men take shots at each other in interviews. Their social media exchanges grew increasingly hostile throughout 2023 and 2024. Even Dana White acknowledged the genuine dislike between them at a press conference last year.

As for UFC 314, ‘The Diamond’ will trade his gloves for a microphone for one night in Miami. And in the unpredictable UFC landscape, that might create just as many memorable moments as the fights themselves.

(Image Credit: Jessica Alcheh – Imagn Images)

Dustin Poirier

Michael Chandler

UFC 314

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!