There have been a few fighters who’ve returned after a long spell out of action, but for some reason, Conor McGregor hasn’t yet found his route to a comeback. He’s slated to battle Michael Chandler, who’s been waiting in the sidelines for years. However, UFC legend Chael Sonnen believes that there is one way that ‘Iron’ could see himself fighting soon.

November 12, 2022, was the last time Michael Chandler competed in the UFC. He’s in a tough spot, having been out of action for the last 19 months. But waiting for Conor McGregor may not be wise, and Chael Sonnen suggests that Chandler makes his move soon and finds someone else.

UFC legend suggests Michael Chandler move on from Conor McGregor

There’s a lot of competition in the lightweight division, and there’ll be no problems for Michael Chandler in finding a suitable opponent for himself. That’s exactly how he should approach his UFC career, as Chael Sonnen suggested. However, if Michael Chandler decides to avoid chasing the ‘red panty night’ and picks a fight with another contender, Dana White might rescind the deal with Conor McGregor.

Chael Sonnen stated on his YouTube channel, “The only way Conor McGregor will be released from the obligation of fighting Michael Chandler in Conor McGregor’s very next fight, the only way is if Chandler takes another fight. Then the deal is off but that is the only thing that kills the deal.” Sonnen understands just how big of a financial opportunity it is to fight the Irish superstar. But From attending parties to fulfilling his role as a part-owner of the BKFC, there’s always something or the other that keeps Conor McGregor busy.

This could become a big hurdle in his attempt to get that matchup against ‘The Notorious’. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is left without options. Michael Chandler is the opponent, and by hook or by crook, the UFC intends to make him fight the former Bellator champion. “Chandler might not get that fight. He might be waiting another five years and end up looking like a fool… if Conor fights again, his next opponent will be Michael Chandler. There will be no exceptions made,” Chael Sonnen added.

While a section of fans may be feeling a bit sad for Michael Chandler, there are quite a few people who don’t seem to be upset about ‘Iron’ not getting his Conor McGregor fight. Among those people is one of his former Bellator rivals.

Former Bellator rival rips into ‘Iron’ Chandler

Micahel Chandler fought former Bellator star Brent Primus twice. While he won the first, during which he also became the lightweight champion, Primus lost the second bout and also his title in the process. Given that Chandler’s slated fight against Conor McGregor has been one of the big talks of the MMA community, Primus decided to share his unfiltered thoughts about that fight while taking a jibe at his former rival.

“I do not feel bad for Michael Chandler at all… Hell no, that little turd? Not at all. I feel like he’s such a fake person that I feel like with the messages we had between each other, he’s a disrespectful little punk, screw that guy, dude,” Brent Primus stated in an interview with ‘Bloody Elbow’. Clearly, the rivalry between him and Michael Chandler hasn’t faded away even after almost six years of their last encounter.

What do you make of Chael Sonnen’s suggestion to Michael Chandler? Will Dana White replace his opponent? Drop your comments below.