Michael Chandler has already made an enormous gamble by patiently waiting for Conor McGregor for almost 2 years. Even after that, he practically had the chance to fight UFC 303 with him, but it slipped through like sand when McGregor hurt his toe. So Chandler is done and is now moving on to other fighters. He is going to go up against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. But this does not mean he has forgotten about McGregor.
He also seems to have a little grudge against him for making him wait two years. Why a grudge, you think? Because Chandler just revealed a secret about McGregor and his claim that the UFC was not giving him fights. Oh wow, now!
Michael Chandler revealed the ‘lies’ McGregor told
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First of all, the fighter is pretty concerned about Conor McGregor’s never-ending delays. The duo were supposed to fight, but it did not happen because of another injury for McGregor. On top of that, ‘Mystic Mac’ has claimed that the UFC is not keen on giving him any dates, even though Dana White said that he will fight in 2025. For now, Chandler has moved on, but he still expects to get a shot with McGregor shortly.
While speaking to MMA Fighting, Michael Chandler cleared his points about what he thought of his supposed opponent. He said, “We got Connor tweeting saying give me my date. I want to come back. At this time I want to fight this guy, I wanna fight. I’m ready to get back in there. But then his social media shows something else. Are you a guy that can be relied upon? Are you a guy that has taken it as seriously as your opponent?”
He also compared his lifestyle and Oliveira’s lifestyle and how they train and work hard. Chandler pointed out that they are fighters and it is their first priority. However, he does not feel it is the same for McGregor.
This fiasco of not giving dates and McGregor asking for it on social media has been going on for quite some time now. He even claimed to have asked for help from Turki Alalshikh. Meanwhile, he also became part owner of BKFC and has been attending their pressers. He also has been training and doing frequent drug testing to prepare for a return to the octagon. As per the UFC CEO, he might return in the first half of 2025.
“I got tested this evening. I got tested today by the Drug-Free Sports agency,” McGregor said at the BKFC 66 post-fight press conference.
“I’m the most tested athlete on the roster by more than twice the amount. I believe I’ve maybe tested 13 times the amount of seconds it took me to finish Jose Aldo. Thirteen times.” Even Chandler was somewhat supportive of him and in the latest MMA Fighting interview, he said that McGregor’s spirit loves the UFC. So, he will make the grand return.
Let’s see what else ‘Iron’ said.
Michael Chandler knows McGregor will come back with a big fight on the cards
‘Iron’ is all set to take on Charles Oliveira for an epic rematch after their UFC 262 bout. The Brazilian had achieved the vacant lightweight title after defeating Chandler through Ko. Finally, Chandler has the opportunity to settle the score and the 38-year-old is delighted to get this opportunity after two years. All the training he was doing for the fight against McGregor was finally coming to fruition, even though it was against Oliveira.
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He said, “Goodman, I feel like. I made this decision like four weeks ago so I’ve known for a while.” ‘Iron’ further added, “But now, like, the whole world knows it’s good because now I can finally. This one, especially because it’s not just announcing a fight. It is foregoing the Conor fight for now, at least. And I am happy with my decision, and I’m happy with the opponent.”
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If he manages to win this fight, he can enter the top five in the ranks and have many options, including McGregor. He will either face the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev or choose a rematch against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. However, if he loses, then his multiple chances are also lost. Chandler even admitted that he is still looking forward to facing McGregor in the future.
However, according to John McCarthy, he would have to win this fight to face McGregor. What do you think is going to happen at UFC 309? Tell us in the comments below.
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