Michael Chandler is in a very unique situation.
The former three-time Bellator Lightweight champion, Chandler, has been sidelined since November 2022. However, that’s not due to injury, but the patience towards a promised match up against Conor McGregor.
Chandler, 38, was supposed to finally collide with the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight and Lightweight titlist at UFC 303 this past weekend (June 29, 2024). Unfortunately, a broken pinky toe led to “The Notorious’” withdrawal from the bout, making it the first time to pull out of a scheduled mixed martial arts (MMA) fight for the Irishman. Chandler now claims he’s been offered a UFC Lightweight title shot against the champion, Islam Makhachev, as a presumed consolation for his patience.
Instead of just flat-out moving on for the rare opportunity, “Iron” refuses to fully drop the prospect of his McGregor “red panty night.”
“I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October - but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pinky toe is ready by Sept, let’s do sphere,” Chandler tweeted. “Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!! @RiyadhSeason #ufc306
“Good old fashioned passionate American @MizzouWrestling beats sambo all day. @MAKHACHEVMMA,” he added.
The last time Chandler fought he lost by third round rear-naked choke against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 (watch highlights). The loss made him 1-3 in his last four (23-8 overall). Poirier, coincidentally, was the most recent to challenge Makhachev, falling short in round five when Makhachev locked in a tight d’arce choke (watch highlights).
Makhachev and Poirier briefly bantered today (Mon., July 1, 2024) when the latter teased his interest in a rematch if needed because of No. 1-ranked contender, Arman Tsarukyan ’s , recent suspension. Said suspension would be the only logical roadblock for the top contender being the next challenger for Makhachev
I like the matchup and I’m a big Chandler fan but c’mon man…it has to Arman
Yes
Arman is suspended for 9 months
If that’s a medical suspension those can get lifted by a doctor, happens all the time
Arman is suspended until the end of October, you act like Islam was gonna fight before then again anyway
He’s been offered it has he…
1-3 in his last 4, gets gifted a title shot, turns it down to continue to hold Connors purse. What an absolute knob this guy is. The McGregor fight is never gonna happen. Dummy.
it’s not medical it’s from him belting a fan that gave him the finger
lol^
can’t they give him waiting money instead of wrecking the potential Conor match? what a waste of anticipation when Islam pins/ruins him.
The ufc is prob interested in doing Dustin vs Conor and want to respectfully remove chandler from the fight
Chandler can F off honestly. You turn down a title shot to wait for Conor? This is also the UFC saying they’d rather put someone else in there vs Conor that moves the needle.
Dana isn’t having Conor fight in the sphere either dickwad. Too much $. If they fight I’m now hoping Conor pulls a miracle KO.
Conor KOs Chandler
Chandler is a weirdo.