Michael Chandler has been waiting for his chance to get inside the Octagon against Conor McGregor. However, the Irishman’s status regarding his UFC comeback is still looming in uncertainty. As such, Chandler took the opportunity to call for a fight at UFC 300 at the T-Mobile Arena against McGregor’s former rival, Nate Diaz.
It’s been a while since Michael Chandler competed in the UFC. He last fought against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281, which he lost. Then earlier this year, he was scheduled to fight Conor McGregor, but the former double champion’s exclusion from USADA’s testing pool kept that fight from happening. Now, ‘Iron’ seems to have changed his mind and challenged a different fighter. Let’s take a look at what transpired.
Michael Chandler calls for Nate Diaz amidst the uncertainty of the Conor McGregor fight
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Former UFC star Nate Diaz recently made his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul. Now, he seems to be interested in a UFC comeback. Diaz took to Twitter (X) and stated that the UFC 300 could be a great idea for him. However, he did not have any opponents. That’s where Michael Chandler came in to present an offer. He said, “Hold tight. I’d love to crack your jaw.”
Hold tight. I’d love to crack your jaw. Things are still unclear with that former fighter who is masquerading as a real fighter 📞. https://t.co/MFSHlrFXIm
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) December 24, 2023
Furthermore, ‘Iron’ also took a jibe at Conor McGregor, claiming that the Dublin native is not a real fighter. “Things are still unclear with that former fighter who is masquerading as a real fighter,” Chandler added. This challenge to Diaz comes in the wake of Conor McGregor calling out Manny Pacquiao for a boxing match. Let’s have a closer look at that front.
McGregor’s interest in a boxing match against Manny Pacquiao
Conor McGregor recently attended the ‘Day of Reckoning’ boxing event that featured Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, among many others. There, he spoke to a media outlet, where he mentioned having an interest in fighting former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao. McGregor asked the reporter, “How about me versus Manny here in Saudi?… Wouldn’t you think Manny should come up to my weight, considering it’s his sport?”
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When it came to the money end of the proposed boxing match, Conor McGregor mentioned the $8 million that Pacquiao owes to Paradigm Sports. Apparently, it seems like the Filipino legend has yet to pay the agency that sum. “Manny already owes me $8 million via court of law. He was signed to my management company and then did not honor his deal,” McGregor added.
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It seems Conor McGregor is planting his seeds for a return to fighting everywhere he can. As for Michael Chandler, he may not be in the best of situations right now. We will have to wait and see if Dana White takes account of his proposal since Dustin Poirier has also issued a challenge to Nate Diaz for UFC 300 as well.
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