The much-awaited Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight has once again moved into uncertain territories, but that hasn’t clouded up Chandler’s plans for his next fight, as the UFC lightweight star already has a fighter in mind.
The fight between McGregor and Chandler- the former TUF rivals, was initially slated for UFC 303 back in June, but was met with multiple delays and was eventually scrapped after McGregor cited a broken pinky toe. While “The Notorious” has now gone more than three years out of action, Chandler himself has been on a hiatus since the loss against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 back in November 2022.
Speaking to Lucky Block in a recent interview, while “Iron” remains hopeful on seeing McGregor in the Octagon at some point in the future, the former three time Bellator champion is not turning down the notion that the fight may never materialize.
“I am an optimist by default, so I do believe the Conor fight will happen, but right now we are in a period where things are being talked about,” said Chandler. “What date? Is it Conor? Is it pivoting to a different fight? Is it making the best decision for me and my family? I love the idea that Conor and I did ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ we had a training camp, we signed on the dotted line. But as much as I respect Conor, my legacy is not hinged upon this fight.”
Michael Chandler eyeing Charles Oliveira rematch up next
All that being said, Michael Chandler does have an alternate option in mind, and that’s none other than Charles Oliveira, the former 155-pound titleholder, who had handed Chandler his first UFC defeat at UFC 262 back in May 2021. This time, however, Chandler hopes to avoid any errors and avenge the loss in the rematch.
“The most realistic option for me if you look at the landscape and you consider everything is Charles Oliveira,” he went on, “I love the rematch with Charles. I think it’s a great fight to get the fans pumped up. I almost had him finished in the first round, and then I made a glaring mistake in the second round that I would never, ever make again.” [H/T MMA Mania]
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