Michael Chandler spent nearly two years on the sidelines, hoping for a big-money fight with Conor McGregor. The matchup never materialized, and fans grew restless. Even #1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan called Chandler “dumb” for holding out so long.
Tsarukyan is fresh off a win over Charles Oliveira and now finds himself in a similar boat. The Armenian fighter is gunning for a title shot against Islam Makhachev. The problem is that Makhachev’s on the shelf with a hand injury. This is the moment Chandler took his shot. He recently fired back at Arman Tsarukyan’s criticism.
“Wait a second @ArmanUfc – you said you’d wait another year? That would put you out for 17 months. You’d wait 17 months for a fight? Pot, meet kettle,” wrote Chandler via X.
The fight game is a tricky business. These guys are trying to balance career longevity, financial security, and championship dreams. It’s not always pretty, and sometimes it leads to contradictions. Arman Tsarukyan’s dream of getting that belt outweighs his commitment to money and his record.
Michael Chandler, on the other hand, is now booked to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November. It’s a far cry from the McGregor superfight, but it could put him right back in the title picture.
Michael Chandler Believes That Conor McGregor Fight Will Eventually Happen
‘Iron’ has been on quite the rollercoaster ride lately. The former Bellator champ turned UFC contender has had his sights set on a big-money fight with McGregor. But as fans know, the fight game rarely goes according to plan. But Chandler has not lost hope yet.
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In a recent chat with MMA Fighting, Chandler revealed that he was convinced ‘The Notorious’ fight will happen eventually. He’s got a hunch that McGregor, too, is in love with the sport to stay away forever.
“I do think [he returns]. Conor McGregor is a nothing, nobody without the sport of mixed martial arts. Without the UFC platform. Without the legacy that he has created. I believe he’s romantic about it. believe that he loves the sport. I believe that his spirit loves the sport, but sometimes his body and his brain want other things,” said Chandler via MMA Fighting.
In the meantime, Chandler has got his hands full with Oliveira. It’s a high-risk, high-reward fight. Win, and he’s right back in the title picture. Lose, and that potential McGregor ‘Red Pany’ payday might slip right through his fingers.
