Michael Chandler‘s return to the UFC was met with a huge crowd in the cage. Chandler also had one prime person watching him cageside at the UFC 309 pay-per-view (PPV) co-mains. That name walks the walk as Donald Trump.
The former three-time GOP Nominee and current President-elect was cageside and even went viral at the UFC 309 PPV event. The 78-year-old also seemingly has quite a rapport and support from “Iron.” Chandler voiced his support when Trump faced indictment on 34 counts of falsifying business records for 2016. Additionally, they dapped it up after his recent loss.
I shook his hand, and he said, ‘Awesome fight. You’re a warrior, …He whispered in my ear – and there’s a really cool shot of him whispering in my ear – and he was just like, ‘You’re one bad mofo,’ type of deal. It was pretty cool, and I was like, ‘Well, you are’…
Michael Chandler to Will Compton & Taylor Lewan for Barstool Sports Presents Bussin’ With The Boys
He fought in the co-main event in a much-anticipated rematch with Charles Oliveira. While Chandler did lose a lopsided decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45), it did not stop him from approaching Trump. Seemingly, the ex-Prez Donald Trump even thanked him for “saving the country” right after. Coincidence, in light of recent viral snubs? One would think not.
Chandler returned at UFC 309 to fight for the first time since November 2022. He sat on the sidelines waiting for a fight with Conor McGregor, which never eventuated, prompting a pivot to the Oliveira rematch. The defeat makes Chandler 1-4 in his last five. While it’s hardly the world’s end for him, a top contender has been less than kind to his offering, unlike Trump.
Justin Gaethje shuts down rematch with Michael Chandler
Despite the thrilling main card action of UFC 309 pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden, Justin Gaethje has other plans. Gaethje is not interested in going back to Michael Chandler, who himself just completed a failed rerun bid at ‘Do Bronx’.
Michael Chandler loses big ‘highlight’ in defeat (Source: superlutas/bjpenn)Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) outlasted Chandler in 2018’s Fight of the Year battle. In a recent Bussin’ with the Boys interview, Chandler expressed interest in a rematch with Gaethje. But “The Highlight” highlights other ideas in favor of something new.
I’m more interested in a rematch with Oliveira or Poirier, …I prefer something new. I think me and Poirier would be a great fight if it is his last one…I just think that we’re both contenders, and I don’t think we’re contenders if [Chandler and me] fight each other…I’m content with a 1-1. Hopefully he is.
Justn Gaethje for Helen Yee Sports (@HelenYeeSports) during UFC Macau Fight week
Having fought and lost to Oliveira before, Gaethje was quick to praise the former UFC Lightweight Champion. He also has plans to rebound from his buzzer-beater “BMF” 155-pound title loss KO. But other than that, Chandler isn’t it for him.
