Michael Chandler had bet big, putting all his eggs in the “Conor McGregor” basket. ‘The Notorious’ was to return to active participation in the June 29 headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, he had to withdraw from a fight for the first time under the UFC banner at UFC 303. ‘Iron’ was predictably classy in response to McGregor’s apology.
It all went downhill when McGregor missed the kickoff presser and media obligations for the UFC 303 PPV. There was an ongoing attempt to keep the main event afloat after Conor McGregor sustained an injury. ‘Mystic Mac’ said as much in a first cryptic post to his fans. However, now that there’s a complete overhaul of the card, the Irishman has met a swarm of criticism. Chandler doesn’t mind:
No hard feelings. Heal up. My heart is full. See you soon…
Michael Chandler via X (@MikeChandlerMMA)
Many notable peers and pundits, including HOF/ color commentator Daniel Cormier, think McGregor wouldn’t compete again. Peers like Rafael dos Anjos and Dustin Poirier have swiped down McGregor, quoting back his own insults. However, the 35-year-old Irishman is angsty to get back into the octagon after a three-year layoff. There’s no definite timeline as to when Chandler, 38, would face him again.
No hard feelings. Heal up. My heart is full. See you soon.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 15, 2024
Ariel Helwani nudges that the availability of the PPV cards might pose difficulties. UFC 305 happens in Australia, and fights are lined up for UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere. As such, the UFC must devise a solution to reschedule the Irishman’s return. Despite the nuisance of withdrawal, Michael Chandler supported the rival. Alongside, he released a more “final” official statement.
Michael Chandler plans to stay the ‘most reliable’ fighter on routine
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) was set to return to active competition after nearly three years against Chandler. The American from Team Kill Cliff FC hasn’t fought since 2022, as well. Both knew the stakes going into the matchup. Hence. the decision to call off press obligations and the fight altogether was a tough one for Conor McGregor.
Michael Chandler plans to grind ahead for a Conor McGregor fight (Source: tmz.com/agfight.com)‘Iron’ Michael Chandler remains among the most classy fighters on the roster. There was ample reason and avenue for Chandler to lose his cool. However, he did no such thing. Not only did he wish his TUF: Season 31 co-coach well, but he also voiced his plans ahead.
Official statement: “I’m here, just as in 2009 when I started. The most reliable man in MMA. See you when I see you.”
Michael Chandler via X (@MikeChandlerMMA)
Official statement: “I’m here, just as in 2009 when I started. The most reliable man in MMA. See you when I see you.”
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 15, 2024
Currently at 23-8 MMA and 2-3 UFC, ‘Iron’ isn’t exactly the full bloom of a fighter. The former three-time Bellator champion needs this fight as much as anyone ever would. However, the American needs to stay more active than ever before if he wants to achieve championship success. He said as much in his media availability to The Pivot Podcast (@thepivotpodcast) and in his latest statements.
Chandler hasn’t fought since a submission loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281. However, he is willing to wait for his welterweight debut against McGregor. Helwani has reported the brass and fighters are hopeful for an August or September timeframe. It remains to be seen if ‘Iron’ vs. ‘Notorious’ can ever come true.
