After a considerable waiting period, Michael Chandler has gotten the short end of the stick after the cancellation of his fight with Conor McGregor. The pair was scheduled to take on each other at UFC 303 in a highly exciting clash. However, the fight never happened, as McGregor pulled out of his fight after suffering from a toe injury. After months of uncertainty, the former Bellator champion has found himself his next opponent.

Michael Chandler will now face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, the same opponent he faced at UFC 262 in 2021. While many are crediting ‘Iron’ for taking up the fight, former UFC referee pointed out the biggest disadvantage if he loses the battle. Let us take a look at what he had to say.

Michael Chandler can face Conor McGregor only if he wins his next fight feels former referee

At 39 years old, Michael Chandler wasted two years of his peak waiting for Conor McGregor to give the green light. However, with no announcement about his return in 2024, Chandler is now ready for his next challenge in Oliveira. The pair has a bit of history between them and the Brazilian currently holds the upper hand in the battle. Josh Thomson and Big John McCarthy recently took to their YouTube channel to discuss the upcoming clash at UFC 309. The former referee appreciated Chandler for taking up the fight, as he had been out of action for quite some time now.

He said, “I think it’s a great thing that Michael Chandler took the fight. Smart move.” However, he reminded ‘Iron’ that the ‘Do Bronx’ would not be an easy opponent for him. During their last meeting, Oliveira knocked out Chandler in the second round and has the potential to repeat the same performance again. McCarthy said, “But it’s also a risky move. I’m just gonna be honest because Charles Oliveira is not an easy opponent.” 

The rematch holds significant importance in Chandler’s career, and he will have to win the fight if he ever wants to challenge McGregor next. McCarthy further added, “And if you lose guess what that thing that you have been hanging around for all this time. Do you think they’re going to give you that fight? Only if you win. So extra incentive.”

But it seems that the former Bellator champion has found an extra spring in his step after his fight was announced. He recently took to his YouTube channel and shared his plans for the future after his UFC 309 bout. He seems to be eyeing a title shot and is prepared to take on Islam Makhachev next.

Michael Chandler is looking to win the lightweight title next in his career

Winning a belt in the UFC is the ultimate dream for most fighters, and Chandler is no different. After patiently waiting for his fight with McGregor, the 39-year-old is now focusing on winning a title next. He took to his YouTube channel to share his insights about why he decided to take on the Charles Oliveira fight and what he plans next. A fiery and determined Chandler did not mince his words and made it clear he now wants to become a number one contender in the lightweight division.

The 39-year-old agreed to the fact that he got a lot of limelight when he was preparing for his fight against McGregor. However, facing Oliveira will give him the opportunity to get closer to the lightweight belt. Chandler, during his YouTube video, said, “I got more promo, more eyeballs, more of everything in the last year and a half than I would have gotten with 3 fights, and now I get the opportunity to take a title run. I beat Charles Oliveira, I become the number one contender. I beat Charles Oliveira, I can choose to go fight Islam or Arman. I believe it’s gonna be Islam.” He also made it clear that the fight with McGregor is still on, but only if the Irishman can get back to full fitness.

Michael Chandler seems to be a man on a mission as he prepares for his clash against Oliveira. But do you think he can get past the challenge of the Brazilian this time around? Let us know about your thoughts in the comments below.