Michael Chandler knew what he was getting himself into with Conor McGregor in the first place. But it did not come without a price. The duo were half parts of a welterweight bout to headline the June 29 card in Las Vegas. However, McGregor sustained an injury and had to cancel all UFC 303 PPV Event obligations. Now, ‘Iron’ pitches in, at long last.
On Thursday night, CEO Dana White announced that Chandler’s highly anticipated matchup with Conor McGregor was off. ‘The Notorious’ canceling media appearances for UFC 303’s press kickoff at 3Arena was a clear sign. However, the 38-year-old had hoped that the Irishman’s antics were mere noise and veil. Chandler isn’t willing to dull his resolve now that it isn’t.
A constant and never ending pursuit… – Throw yourself into the fire. – Walk On. – See you at the top!
Michael Chandler via X (@MikeChandlerMMA)
A title rematch between light-heavyweights Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka will now serve UFC 303. Chandler has not fought since November 2022; hence, it isn’t surprising that he would fall steeper in the rankings. Sponsor MegaFit Meals released a statement in collaboration, billing this as a “high-risk” fight. Chandler later issued a more formal statement via X.
As the Team Kill Cliff FC orthodox works on the heavy bag, his caption all but confirms he’d be on the lookout for all opportunities. The McGregor-Chandler dynamic is stalled for now. Considering the injury troubles, one must even wonder if the Irishman wants to return. It remains to be seen where and where things go from here.
Michael Chandler is back on HIATUS after UFC 303 fight cancelation
Michael Chandler still needs a fight. With White’s constant teases of a spectacular UFC 306 Event on Sept. 16, Ariel Helwani says McGregor might huddle for a rebilling. Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) has been hedging on the former dual-division champion for a while now. Now that Conor McGregor is out of UFC 303, validating weeks of speculation, he has posted his first live reaction of sorts.
Michael Chandler (Source: IMAGO/ (@MikeChandlerMMA)/ X)No, not that kind of hiatus. One thing Chandler has got working for him is that he has participated in a very detailed pre-fight camp. He even attended a 3-day SPECOPS Navy SEAL Experience Edition watch @panerai session. With his bulking program and proper test cuts, he is ready for a move to welterweight.
UFC St. Louis’s big winner, Joaquin Buckley, has already taken umbrage with Chandler. However, Chandler dreams of becoming a UFC champion. As such, he will have more success in pursuing it at lightweight rather than welterweight. Oliveira does not have an opponent lined up. If Chandler wants to move on from McGregor, he will have a perfect opponent in Charles Oliveira.
Other than that, Chandler also has a similar feud going with Arman Tsarukyan. However, Tsarukyan is the #1 contender and will not pursue matchups other than the title fight. Chandler has some time to reassess his future. However, whatever decision ‘Iron’ makes, he must make it sooner as his age is certainly not his friend.
