Michael Chandler Is Returning at UFC 303 but There’s a Catch! Conor McGregor’s Arrival Remains Uncertain

An injury to a two-division UFC champion has thrown a wrench into the highly anticipated fight between Conor Mcgregor and Michael Chandler. Now, their future on the fight card remains uncertain. Most notably, Michael Chandler, who has patiently waited for this clash for nearly 18 months, is left in limbo.

Previously, they coached together on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 31, fueling the intrigue surrounding the matchup. After months of speculation, a fight date finally materialized, only to fall apart mere weeks before UFC 303. Now, after days of silence, #6 ranked UFC lightweight contender, Michael Chandler, has finally spoken up. His philosophical approach raises questions about the “Notorious” one’s commitment to the fight.

Michael Chandler’s return at UFC 303!

The cancellation of UFC 303’s main event hit Michael Chandler the hardest. His fight with Conor McGregor, originally scheduled after their stint coaching together on TUF 31 last year, was once again derailed. McGregor’s issues with PED testing and his Hollywood pursuits caused initial delays. Now the undisclosed injury that ‘The Notorious’ suffered leaves the schedule uncertain. In response, Michael Chandler took a philosophical approach in a recent Instagram reel, where he reiterated his commitment to returning at UFC 303.

“Your word is yours, and if your word is no good, then eventually you are no good,” Chandler added. “Still, I’m going to UFC 303, much to the surprise of the UFC and everyone behind the scenes. ” Regardless, he lamented the upcoming changes to the main event, specifically the replacement of his fight card with Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka.

Feeling it was a broken promise, he emphasized, “It was my card. When I signed the bout agreement, I signed my name on a piece of paper that said I would be at UFC 303. I made a promise; I made a commitment.”

However, there’s uncertainty surrounding Michael Chandler’s participation in UFC 303. Whether he remains on the card or the fight gets rescheduled is anyone’s guess, except for UFC President Dana White. White recently addressed Chandler’s future in an interview.

Dana White updates Chandler’s future

Since the cancellation of the fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler at UFC 303, the one who undoubtedly garnered the most sympathy is Michael Chandler. For 18 months, he meticulously prepared for his fight, putting aside other UFC opportunities. Recognizing his dedication, Dana White showered him with praise in a recent interview.

On a recent episode of The Jim Rome Show, the host inquired about Michael Chandler’s future after his fight with Conor McGregor fell through. Dana White responded with some speculation on McGregor’s fighting career. He said, “Conor’s turning 36 in July. He’s got plenty of money. I don’t ever think that guys like that, Jon Jones, who knows, maybe he’ll fight again, maybe he won’t. Conor McGregor, maybe he’ll fight again, maybe he won’t.”

Additionally, White hinted that Michael Chandler seems fixated on facing McGregor, but the UFC is keeping its options open. They’ve let Chandler know they’re behind him if he wants a fight this summer or has a specific event in mind.

What’s your take on this: Should Michael Chandler wait for McGregor, or should he move on and continue his UFC career that has been halted for two years? Share your opinion in the comments below.