One of the most highly anticipated UFC fight cards (UFC 309) is just a few days away. The discussions in the community are focused primarily on the headliner and co-headliner bouts of the card. In the co-main event, two of the most dynamic lightweight fighters, Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira, are set to clash against each other.
Recently, Chandler appeared in an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show ahead of his upcoming fight against Oliveira. During the interview, Chandler explored several interesting topics, including his previous encounter with the Brazilian fighter. While discussing that, the American fighter stated that he wasn’t mature enough as a fighter to take on a formidable opponent like Oliveira.
I was too young man, even though I was old. I was too young. I was too new in the sport, I had two and half minutes of octagon experience…
Michael Chandler via The Ariel Helwani Show
Although Chandler is a veteran of MMA, he doesn’t have much experience in UFC competition. UFC is one of the standout MMA promotions in the world where there are several skilled fighters. The Iron made his UFC debut back in 2021. Interestingly, with only one win in the promotion, UFC offered Chandler a title shot against Oliveira. Meanwhile, the Brazilian fighter is a seasoned fighter in the promotion with more than a decade-long experience in UFC.
🤔Michael Chandler believes he was “too young” when he fought Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title:
“I was too young, even though I was old. I was too young, I was too new in the sport, I had two and half minutes of octagon experience…
It’ll be two years I’m out of the… pic.twitter.com/8oEfcR5tEo
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 11, 2024
According to Chandler, his lack of experience under the UFC banner negatively affected him during the previous fight against Oliveira. However, he expressed newfound confidence in his ability to defeat the Brazilian fighter in their upcoming match. Following that fight, Chandler has identified a long list of potential opponents that he believes will help him build an impressive legacy in the promotion.
Michael Chandler wants to face some of the formidable UFC fighters in 2025
In the middle of his upcoming fight with Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler is dealing with difficult relationships with some of the top UFC fighters. Notably, Conor McGregor is one of the prominent fighters on that list. Instead of fighting Oliveira, Chandler has often been linked to a potential matchup with the Irish MMA star.
Although that fight never happened, Chandler still wants to keep the option of facing McGregor after UFC 309. Meanwhile, the Irishman has confirmed his return in 2025. The American fighter believes that would be the ideal time for their fight. Additionally, Chandler has mentioned other top UFC competitors he is interested in battling in 2025.
We could see (Michael) Chandler vs. (Charles) Oliveira, Chandler vs. Conor (McGregor), Chandler vs. Islam (Makhachev), Chandler vs. Max (Holloway). The craziest four or five fight-run in a 12-month period that anyone’s ever seen.
Michael Chandler via Shak MMA
The list also includes the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, and former UFC featherweight champion, Max Holloway. Chandler believes that a potential fight against Makhachev is more appealing than one against McGregor. It will be intriguing to see how Chandler’s career develops in 2025.
