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I’m done waiting. I want to fight.” Those were the words of Michael Chandler after what felt like an eternity waiting for Conor McGregor. But now, Chandler has officially moved on, and fans can finally rejoice—UFC 309 has been announced, and after two long years, Chandler is stepping back into the Octagon against none other than Charles Oliveira.

Chandler’s two-year absence from the fight scene wasn’t by choice; he was holding out for the blockbuster bout against McGregor. But after countless delays, including McGregor’s toe injury at UFC 303, Chandler had enough. While he’s still open to facing ‘Mystic Mac’ in the future—let’s be real, McGregor’s name still carries a lot of weight in the UFC—Chandler knew it was time to get back to business.

Now, with his focus squarely on his rematch against ‘Do Bronx,’ Chandler is as ready as ever. In a recent interview with Will from Bussin With The Boys, the 37-year-old reflected on his time away from the Octagon. Composed and in peak physical condition, Chandler shared how his preparation for McGregor has fueled his current training. Though his sights are set on Oliveira, Chandler couldn’t help but talk about the fight that never happened and the advice he received from the UFC’s Chief Business Officer.

Michael Chandler was warned about Conor McGregor by Hunter Campbell

During his talk with Will, he spoke about his developments and journey while away from the octagon. Chandler also detailed his wait for the Irish challenge.

He waited for two years to fight ‘The Notorious’ but it never came to fruition even when the dates were set. Chandler’s mental and physical prep for McGregor was truly tough but a lesson in itself. He said that Hunter Campbell even warned him about ‘The Notorious.’ He recalled, “Hunter Campbell said to me in the very beginning was like “hey we are going to do this ultimate fighter thing but just I want you to be prepared booking a fight with Conor McGregor is like nothing you have ever done before. It is not normal? And I you know, I held on you know. Held on tight I also enjoyed the time aft.”

 

He was waiting with bated breath and had laser-sharp preparation but he could not use it against McGregor. All the sacrifices and hard work did not come to fruition but finally, he is back for UFC 309 and for that, he’s back home. Additionally, the fighter revealed that when he stayed away from the sport, he gave more time to his family but also realized how much he loved MMA. Being away from the sport gave him an epiphany about the value of MMA in his life.

Now the lightweight fighter is ready to take on one of the most dangerous opponents and move forward with his career. However another hurdle in his path to success – “Do Bronxs”.

Charles Oliveira announces his fight on social media

Oliveira recently uploaded an Instagram post confirming his upcoming lightweight fight against Michael Chandler. He shared, “Say my family, the moment we have all been waiting for so long already has a date, it’s November 16, 2024 youcan be sure that Charles Oliveira and Charles from the Broys Lightweight Lion will be more ready than ever to put on that show for all of you!” He is pumped up for the challenge and asked for support from his fans all around the world. He stated, “ALL HONOR AND GLORY TO GOD LET’S GO FOR ANOTHER WAR I ALWAYS COUNT ON THE FANS OF ALL OF YOU!”

‘Do Bronx’ has not been in the spotlight since his loss against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. After that, Dan Hooker called him out as his next potential opponent after he gave an amazing performance at up 304. Yet Conor McGregor and Hooker’s goals were squashed when Olivera announced his fight against Michael Chandler. You will be surprised to know that McGregor reacted to this news. He lashed out at ‘Iron’ and Dana White saying, “Chandler saw that takedown getting stuffed and mauled and officially dipped. Little Fat P***y. I’m at the Hard Rock Hotel Florida for the bare-knuckle [Fighting Championship] tonight. Got tested earlier today by DFSI [Drug Free Sport International]. Give me my fo**ing date!”

However, recently McGregor became a bit mellow and even appreciated this decision by his prospective opponent! During BKFC 66 presser he said, “As far as Chandler rematching Oliveira, I’m happy with the date. It’s November. Maybe we can still do it after, if they’re not going to line me up until December, maybe January or February, one of these dates. Maybe we can still do it. I’ve two fights left on my UFC contract.”

So he is hopeful and White has already said that he will fight in 2025. So what do you think will happen?