Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor have not fought in a long time. A return in 2024 did not materialize after McGregor pulled out of UFC 303. With the long-anticipated fight between the two seemingly off the table, Chandler took to social media to express his frustration. Here is what happened:
Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC octagon drama has been going on for a while now. UFC CEO Dana White recently declared that ‘The Notorious’ would not return this year. This became a huge disappointment for the MMA fans. Chandler waited almost two years for the bout. Now, ‘Iron’ strikes back with a ruthless assessment.
Ah conor, the sport will move on and thrive without you. Put to bed. Laid to rest. Soon a distant memory. You’ve vastly overestimated your importance inside of this game for almost a decade. Godspeed.
Michael Chandler via X
The former Bellator star stated that the sport will continue to thrive without McGregor. Chandler emphasized that McGregor has overestimated his importance in the sport over the years. It seems like Conor McGregor‘s TUF rival might be moving on from chasing this fight.
Ah conor, the sport will move on and thrive without you. Put to bed. Laid to rest. Soon a distant memory. You’ve vastly overestimated your importance inside of this game for almost a decade. Godspeed. https://t.co/eQ6UWhK5y1
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) August 14, 2024
Michael Chandler has not fought since UFC 281. His comments suggested that he was ready to consider other matchups. The UFC will likely reward Chandler with a potential #1 contender bout against someone. Already, rumors of a title shot have made headlines. The UFC considers Chandler in high regard and appreciates waiting for McGregor.
This could mean potentially even a rematch against Charles Oliveira, as both fighters have been looking toward new opportunities. If not, Chandler has other options. However, two potential can be ruled out according to his recent X tweets.
Who will Michael Chandler fight next?
Top lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot has called out Michael Chandler for a while now. The Polish lightweight has been vocal about his belief that Chandler avoided tough opponents in favor of high-profile but less competitive matchups.
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler (via X)Now that the McGregor fight is seemingly off the table, will Chandler take up a fight against the wrestler? ‘Iron’ recently addressed this in a reply to fan comments on X. Supposedly, he is free to fight anytime this year in 2024.
Colby scared, gamrot booked.
Michael Chandler via X
Colby scared, gamrot booked
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) August 14, 2024
Chandler and former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington have gone back and forth for a while. The two have criticized each other over their fight records and performance in the octagon. Covington had also criticized Chandler for “desperately” pursuing a matchup against Conor McGregor. Nevertheless, that will also not materialize.
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