Lucrative LW Fights for Michael Chandler as Dana White Shows Uncertainty About Conor McGregor Bout

Dec 2, 2023 | 4:56 AM EST

Link Copied!

Michael Chandler is one of the most exciting lightweights in the division right now. After transferring from Bellator, Chandler wasted just about no time and eventually got into a heated beef with Conor McGregor. For about a year, the two have been going back and forth and a lot happened in the middle.

McGregor broke his shin, had to go into recovery and is just preparing to make a comeback. Meanwhile, Chandler has been sitting around waiting for the fight. The question is, how long can he wait for it? Dana White has just shed light on what his future could hold and we believe there are other worthy opponents for him too. Take a look.

Dana White spells out Michael Chandler’s future

Article continues below this ad

Chandler is a great prospect for just about anyone in the high rankings of the UFC roster. As he competes in the lightweight division, several exciting fights could come his way. That could be the case now since White sounds unsure about him going up against McGregor very soon.

“We’ll see I mean we’ll see the timing of when it goes down the good thing for guys like Chandler and you know there’s a lot of sh*t talk about fighter pay and all that other sh*t you don’t see these guys hurrying up the fight. Jon Jones takes off for f*cking years. Chandler can hang out and wait for f*cking Conor you know.” The UFC Boss said in a recent conversation.

Clearly, no one knows what’s going to happen next. Not even Dana White. And he can’t be blamed either, Conor McGregor has been out of action for a while now. He will return, that much is obvious, but no one can really tell if he will fight Chandler so who could be an alternative pick?

Currently sitting at the #5 spot in the rankings, Chandler is in a weird spot. Three of the five contenders ranked above him have beaten him already. So why would they entertain rematching the ex-Bellator star? Well, for starters, it comes down to the availability of these stars and the UFC wanting to put big names against each other in the coming months.

Who else could potentially fight Chandler other than McGregor?

The #1 lightweight contender Charles Oliveira could make a brilliant challenge for him. Oliveira was last seen when he had to drop out of his fight against the reigning champion Islam Makhachev. Granted Oliveira has a win over Chandler, a rematch between him and Chandler that could lead to a title fight would certainly be all the hype. But how could that be the case? Here’s how.

Article continues below this ad

Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira are two exciting names that could challenge Islam Makhacehv for the title next. Depending on the UFC’s matchmaking, one of them could be free for UFC 300. Gaethje last fought in July and Oliveira in June. Both superstars will have had ample layoff time to be ready for the staple event. If their previous fights against Chandler are anything to go by, the rematches would be guaranteed fireworks.

Also Read: “Dominant Victory Tonight Over a Legit Beast!”- Joe Rogan Hails Arman Tsarukyan

The same would be the case for Dustin Poirier. The former interim champion needs a win after his KO loss at UFC 291. Despite him beating Chandler at UFC 281 in 2022, the pair still are not on good terms. Considering their first slugfest, who would not want to watch a second?

Article continues below this ad

Another option would be for Chandler to face the loser of the upcoming Tsarukyan vs. Dariush bout. This would ensure a fresh matchup for ‘Iron’ Mike and the division. What do you think? Who will Chandler fight if not ‘The Notorious’?

Watch This Story: Conor McGregor’s Insane 2022: Insane Bulk Up, ‘NSFW’ Yacht Video, Joe Rogan Beef and More