When Michael Chandler tags his “see you on top” media posts, he keeps some lengthy ambitions. He doesn’t just mean the usual roster. Touting his ‘Blessed’ tattoo at a similar spot to his UFC 309 pay-per-view (PPV) event headliner, he wants to one-up Jon Jones. Chandler runs it back with Charles Oliveira in the November 16 co-main event at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Chandler’s five UFC appearances have included four bonuses. He sees the opportunity to avenge his loss to Charles Oliveira no differently. He even said he would outshine UFC heavyweight and ‘absolute No. 1 Pound-for-pound best’ Jon Jones just before his first title defense against Stipe Miocic. The duo fight at the tail end of the UFC 309 card (ESPN+ pay-per-view) 10 p.m. ET.
It’s a huge blessing…The UFC puts guys and gals on the fight card that are going to put on a great show. I saw Jon Jones at UFC 306 at the Sphere. We said hi, took a picture together, you know, the main and co-main and he’s like, ‘Hey, man, make sure you save some excitement for me because I’m the main event.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, probably not, man. I’m coming to steal the show.
Michael Chandler for ‘Against The Cage’ Podcast | New York Post Sports (@nypostsports)
Chandler hasn’t fought since losing to Dustin Poirier in November 2022. He was due to welcome Conor McGregor back to the octagon in June this year. But the other half notoriously pulled off the UFC 303 media obligations at Dublin’s 3Arena.
‘Only human’ in the discourse, he has some pent-up feelings about that money fight scratch. Michael Chandler is also 0-3 at MSG grounds. However, the prospect of UFC 309 and Charles Oliveira excites him. The winner can position themselves in a good spot for the next title shot.
In his first fight with Oliveira, Chandler nearly tasted UFC gold. However, “Do Bronx” rallied and stopped Chandler via TKO just 19 seconds into the second round to claim the vacant title at UFC 262. As for some other fights, Chandler also pitched in on the enemy of the enemy who’s not his friend.
Michael Chandler claps back at Arman Tsarukyan
Michael Chandler returned fire after Arman Tsarukyan’s final jab. Tsarukyan has been constantly poking at Chandler’s fight IQ for waiting on a “Connie comeback” fight. He went a step more, even telling MMA Junkie recently that he’s an easy fight for Charles Oliveira. Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) rematches ‘Do Bronx’ at the pay-per-view co-headliner in just 10 days.
Tsarukian (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) is currently linked with a shot at lightweight champ Islam Makhachev. It’s a projection for January 18 at UFC 311, although not official. Chandler was respectful about ‘Ahalkalakets’ and his recent barbs but pitched in his jab at the end.
He’s just a young, hungry dude making his presence be known, …he’s matured. He’s got some great wins. His last win was over Oliveira, my next opponent, so he’s earned this title shot, but yeah, he doesn’t like me, says bad things about me. After he beat Oliveira, I actually went back and congratulated him. It’s one of those things…I’ve had my spats with Poirier…I wish him well. I think Islam absolutely smokes him, but at least he’s got great hair.
Michael Chandler for ‘Against The Cage’ Podcast | New York Post Sports (@nypostsports)
Tsarukyan believes UFC lightweight is trending towards a championship rematch with Charles Oliveira in 2025. Meanwhile, Chandler will try to rebound from his loss in May 2021. If ‘Iron’ and his surefire resolve had to have any say, Tsarukyan wouldn’t tread that far.
