Michael Chandler has been flirting with the possibility of ending his long wait to fight Conor McGregor. Subsequently, it now looks like he will. Chandler was to make his 170-pound debut vs. McGregor atop the UFC 303 PPV top bill in June. So who subs in instead of ‘The Notorious’? Reportedly, a rematch with the all-time likable fan-favorite submissions grappler – Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira.
Chandler and ‘The Notorious’ were going to headline the June 29 pay-per-view at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, NV. However, Conor McGregor pulled out of media obligations due to a toe injury. The hope is that the fight will happen at a later date. However, UFC CEO Dana White revealed on Friday to Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox that Chandler has opted for another bout.
No [McGregor is not fighting Chandler anymore]… Chandler said, ‘I’m done waiting…I want to fight.’ It’ll come out tomorrow.
Dana White to Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox via @SpinninBackfist
While Team Kill Cliff FC’s Chandler has been maintaining the longest camp possible, McGregor has been up to his usually unbalanced “McGregor” ways. Following the postponement of the fight, the odds on the next Conor McGregor MMA fight are off the board. A slight -115 bettor’s favorite ‘Mystic Mac’ has been far from predicting his return which already made a projected $20 million in gate buys in anticipation.
McGregor and Chandler have each lost three of their last four UFC bouts. The Dubliner hasn’t fought since his July 2021 leg break. This is when he was stretchered off after a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Michael Chandler, former Bellator lightweight world champion and brand face, has been waiting for this return, years in the making. However, with splintered attention, White has said McGregor won’t fight until 2025. So now, it’s Charles Oliveira to the rescue.
However, earlier McGregor had pushed White to announce a December date for his return. Unfortunately, White was reluctant to announce that given McGregor’s volatility in the recent past. As such, White preferred an early date in 2025 for the Dubliner’s return.
Michael Chandler to fight Charles Oliveira; gets scathing burn from tweet-pro Conor McGregor
If White’s interview was taped the day the video was released, the announcement could come on the UFC 306 PPV broadcast. Chandler co-coached TUF: Season 31 with Conor Mcgregor. As is the expectation, they were to be booked for last July.
Conor McGregor responds (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)McGregor, the first UFC champion to hold two titles simultaneously, is one of the sport’s biggest draws. However, his UFC return has been waning off at every step. So, ‘Iron’ – who cried “Connie comeback” for too long, now fights Charles Oliveira atop the UFC 309 Pay-per-view, on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
‘Iron’ discussed the news in a YouTube video following the first report from Barstool Sports. USAToday Sports later confirmed the rumors from two different sources with knowledge. McGregor though, had stuff to air out.
Conor McGregor reacts to the news that he won’t be fighting Michael Chandler anymore 😭
“Chandler saw that takedown getting stuffed and mauled and officially dipped. Little Fat P*ssy.”#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/Ek9jwBvsfK
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 14, 2024
Coach John Kavanagh has been prompting that the Team SBG Ireland star is looking sharper than ever. ‘Mac’ was back with a few takedowns in his stomping grounds at Crumlin Boxing; he also posted snippets of working the seated oblique crunch machine. Hence, McGregor now jibes down that afraid tick Michael Chandler saw him finally ready and opted out.
Chandler will now look to avenge a UFC 262 loss to Charles Oliveira (34-10 MMA, 22-10 UFC). He went on to win the vacant lightweight title strap by stopping Chandler in the second frame.
Oliveira has defended his title against Poirier. He also defeated Justin Gaethje but lost the belt on the scales. ‘Do Bronx’ has also lost to both champ and challenger Islam Makhachev/Arman Tsarukyan. Well removed from title contention, he too has been willing to hydrate at 170-pound limits. As such, this could be a blockbuster rematch for ages, if not the ‘Mac Money’ fight.
