“Nope!”: Despite Feeling “Comfortable” at Welterweight, Michael Chandler Refuses to Face One of the Biggest UFC Stars in the Division

Ever since the official announcement of Michael Chandler coaching against Conor McGregor in TUF 31 was made, ‘Iron’ has been constantly in the limelight. The three-time lightweight Bellator champion stepped into the UFC Octagon for the first time to fight against Dan Hooker at UFC 257. With just a single victory in the promotion, ‘Iron’ got a title shot against Charles Oliveira next. However, he lost the bout after a fierce clash via TKO in the second round. The American fighter has suffered three losses out of the five bouts he fought at UFC. Nonetheless, this factor didn’t dim his sparkle a bit.

Soon after losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281, it was announced that the 36-year-old will coach against the Irish superstar in TUF 31. Recently, the former Bellator champion took to Twitter to give his fans a chance to ask him any questions that came to mind. Chandler patiently answered a lot of questions put forward by the fans.

However, some of his answers regarding moving up to welterweight and fighting the most famous fighter in the division caught the attention of many.

Michael Chandler is interested in moving up but not interested in fighting ‘Borz’

Chandler recently tweeted “I have an hour -#askmeanything“. After coming across Chandler’s tweet, the fans showered the UFC fighter with a lot of interesting questions.

One among them was “You feel comfortable fighting at 170?“.

To which the welterweight replied, “I do. I’ll be the same body comp just cut less water at the end.“

Followed by this question, another fan asked Chandler “Would you ever fight @KChimaev at welterweight?“.

In reply to the fan query, the UFC lightweight replied, “Nope!“

Chandler made it clear that he wanted to move up and fight in the welterweight division, but he did not want to fight the undefeated star in the division. Until today, Khamzat Chimaev has an impeccable record that currently stands at 12-0.

READ MORE: Michael Chandler Reveals the Most Surprising Thing About Conor McGregor That Most Don’t Give Him Credit For

‘Borz’ has emerged victorious after battling against some of the most famous welterweights, like Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland. His last bout was at UFC 279 against Holland. He won the bout in the very first round via Brabo choke.

What’s next for Chandler?

Chandler didn’t bother to explain why he didn’t want to fight against Chimaev when he moves up. However, it is clear that the former Bellator champion has clear goals in mind. At the moment, the fans can’t wait to see McGregor lock horns with Chandler in the UFC octagon after TUF 31 comes to an end.

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