Michael Chandler has wasted nearly two years waiting for the Conor McGregor fight. The âIronâ came close to fighting McGregor at UFC 303, but McGregorâs injury ruined Chandlerâs chances. Now, Chandler has shifted his focus to the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
UFC 303 was going to give Michael Chandler his âred panty nightâ but it seems like the fighter has had enough. Recently through a series of tweets, Chandler called out Islam Makhachev for a title fight later this year. Chandler stressed that he has incredible takedown defense and will dethrone Makhachev from his champion position.Â
I donât get taken down in the open, I donât get taken down on the cageâĤI donât get taken down, period. #andNEW
Michael Chandler via XÂ
Chandler even made the fight a contest between American wrestling and Dagestani sambo, something the champion is extremely proud of. This whole thing started when Dustin Poirier called out Makhachev for a rematch and the Dagestani declined. According to Makhachev, he wants a new challenge and Chandler is ready to step up.Â
I donât get taken down in the open, I donât get taken down on the cageâĤI donât get taken down, period. #andNEW
â Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) July 2, 2024
Islam Makhachev solidified his championship reign after successfully defending his title for the third time at UFC 302. After the fight, Makhachev revealed his intentions to fight Leon Edwards for the welterweight title. However, it seems like the champ will have to deal with his division before moving up. According to Michael Chandler, Dana White also thinks the same.Â
Michael Chandler confirms Dana White offering him the Islam Makhachev title shotÂ
After Conor McGregor pulled out of UFC 303, Dana White had to make a lot of last-minute changes to save the card. The UFC CEO also suggested Michael Chandler to not wait around for McGregor more. Chandler has taken the advice and White seems to be helping him in the process.Â
Dana White offered the Islam Makhachev fight to Michael Chandler (via X)
Michael Chandler recently mentioned that the UFC has offered him the Islam Makhachev title fight in October. However, the fighter still doesnât want to close the gate on the McGregor fight and is ready to fight him in September.Â
Iâve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pinky toe is ready by Sept, letâs do sphere. Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!! @RiyadhSeason #ufc306
Michael Chandler via XÂ
Conor McGregor has not given any updates on when he will be in fight condition. On the other hand, Islam Makhachev has various other choices like Leon Edwards and Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarunkyan is ranked ahead of Chandler in the lightweight title contender list. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how the future of Chandler turns out.Â
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