Michael Chandler tells Dustin Poirier to 'zip it' and claims lightweight rival 'has lost his shine' after 'Diamond' slammed him for lack of defensive skills and lunging approach

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Michael Chandler has told Dustin Poirier to 'zip it' and claims his lightweight rival 'lost his shine'. 

Fresh from his incredible KO win over Tony Ferguson, Chandler is deliberating his next move but distanced himself from a fight with 'Diamond' after feeling disrespected by him when he joined the UFC. 

Poirier believes Chandler is avoiding him and recently suggested there are sensible reasons for it. 

Michael Chandler recently beat Tony Ferguson and is considering his next fight  

Charles Oliveira defeated Dustin Poirier and 'Diamond' has not fought since  

'I'm a dangerous fight for him,' Poirier said on THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas. 'I think I'm a clean puncher, accurate. He called out Conor. I think Conor is a dangerous fight for him, too. 

'I'm not saying Chandler's chinny or anything, but he gets hurt in a lot of his fights, and guys like Conor, they can punch. 

'If you're getting hurt by Tony Ferguson and dropped by [Charles] Oliveira, guys like me, guys like Conor, if we touch your chin, it's gonna be bad.

'That's the reason he gets hurt in these fights, because you can't have an offense and a defense, and he's all offense,' he added. 

Chandler was criticised for his overly offensive style by Poirier, who backs himself against him

'Jumping forward, lunging forward, and you know what they say, when your feet leave the ground in boxing, you get carried out. 

'Jumping around, throwing punches in the air, you can't pivot, you can't move, you'll run into big shots. You jump in, you get carried out.'

And Chandler has not taken kindly to Poirier's remarks and said on Instagram: 'I heard what you said. 

'Nobody gives a rip about your wannabe 'don't make sense lost your shine so you're trying to steal everybody else's shine' backdoor MMA math. Zip it.'

Poirier's pay-per-view appeal was questioned by Chandler who 'has a bit of a personal issue' 

Poirier has talked up a move to welterweight but clearly fancies his chances against Chandler. 

There seems a strong chance they will lock horns at some point despite the former Bellator champion's reluctance, although the 36-year-old has been campaigning to take on McGregor when he returns. 

Poirier is ranked three places ahead of Chandler at No 2 so perhaps he would be well advised to take the fight and elevate himself in the division with a win.