November 12, 2022—That was the last time Michael Chandler graced the Octagon against Dustin Poirier. Since then, he has waited for one thing only: his fight against Conor McGregor. But now, his patience is wearing thin, and he is ready to move on to other things.
In a recent interview, the former Bellator champion opened up about his frustrations. He’s been holding out hope for the McGregor matchup since early 2023. That’s when they coached opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter. But Chandler’s optimism is fading now.
“I love the idea that Conor and I did The Ultimate Fighter, we had a training camp, we signed on the dotted line. But as much as I respect Conor, my legacy is not hinged upon this fight. I am running my own race and continuing to move forward,” Chandler said via Lucky Block.
After a long time, finally, UFC 303 in June 2024 seemed like their moment. Then McGregor broke his pinky toe, derailing plans once again. The 38-year-old isn’t sitting idle, though. He’s training hard, still waiting for that ‘Red Panty Night.’
Chandler’s prime years are ticking. He can’t afford to wait much longer for McGregor. Chandler believes the earliest possible date for the fight is December 2024, but he’s no longer putting all his eggs in McGregor’s basket.
Michael Chandler Has An Opponent In Mind For Comeback
Chandler is looking at other options after UFC 303 cancellation. More than two years have passed and now, he is looking to get into the Octagon, whether against McGregor or someone else. And as it happens, he has an opponent in mind.
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Michael Chandler revealed his top pick for his comeback. Charles Oliveira tops his list of potential opponents. Their first clash in May 2021 saw Chandler nearly finish Oliveira early. But a mistake in round two cost him the vacant lightweight title. A rematch could reignite Chandler’s title aspirations. It might also serve as a number-one contender bout.
“The most realistic option for me if you look at the landscape and you consider everything is Charles Oliveira,” Chandler said. “I love the rematch with Charles. I think it’s a great fight to get the fans pumped up,” said Chandler in the same interview with Lucky Block.
Other names on ‘Iron’s’ radar include Dustin Poirier and Arman Tsarukyan. He’s even open to an interim title shot, though he admits he may not deserve it. Chandler’s frustration is palpable. He’s spent almost as much time waiting as he has fighting in the UFC. As he approaches his 39th birthday, Chandler knows time is precious. He’s ready to make his mark, McGregor or no McGregor.
