MMA News

Tag: Michael Chandler

  • Michael Chandler Makes Bold Promise To Fans Ahead Of UFC 309 Return: ‘What You Will See…’

    UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler evidently isn’t worried about increasing the pressure on him to perform well next weekend.

    “Iron” will feel the Octagon floor beneath his feet for the first time in over two years on Nov. 16, when he co-headlines the UFC 309 pay-per-view inside New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

    The former three-time Bellator champion spent 2023 and much of this year awaiting a planned showdown with Conor McGregor, whom he coached against on The Ultimate Fighter.

    After plenty of rumored fight dates and one officially booked one passed by without the pair meeting inside the cage, Chandler finally decided to move on. That decision has left him with a chance for redemption opposite Charles Oliveira.

    When the pair first met, “Do Bronx” mounted a memorable comeback to capture the then-vacant lightweight crown at UFC 262 in May 2022. 30 months on, the Kill Cliff FC standout is promising to avenge that result with a never-before-seen display.

    “What you will see Nov. 16 will be something you have never seen from me,” Chandler wrote on X. “Something exceptional. Something mind blowing. Champ in 2025. #ufc309“

    While both Chandler and UFC CEO Dana White haven’t ruled out revisiting the McGregor matchup in 2025, hopes of the Irishman making a return to the Octagon appear to be dwindling with every public appearance the former two-division champion makes.

    And should “Iron” have his hand raised next weekend, he expects to be sitting behind Arman Tsarukyan as next in line for a shot at Islam Makhachev’s lightweight crown.

  • What’s Next After UFC 308? Full Confirmed UFC 309 Main Card For MSG On Nov. 16

    What’s Next After UFC 308? Full Confirmed UFC 309 Main Card For MSG On Nov. 16

    UFC 308 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering, UFC 309 in New York City.

    The promotion was in Abu Dhabi last week, where the Etihad Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest major card in the Middle East. Of note were headline wins for Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev, as well as important victories for Magomed Ankalaev, Lerone Murphy, and Shara Magomedov.

    While the aftermath of the October 26 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the featherweight title picture to the heavyweight championship conversation.

    At UFC 309, set for the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16, reigning kingpin Jon Jones will compete for the first time this year in defense of his gold. Following a submission of Ciryl Gane to capture the crown, “Bones” will finally face the challenge of returning legend Stipe Miocic 20 months later.

    Stakes will also be high in the co-headliner, as former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira looks to bounce back from his UFC 300 loss. To insert himself back into the title picture at 155 pounds, “Do Bronx” must get the better of the always entertaining Michael Chandler for the second time.

    Nickal, Weidman, Silva Set The Stage For High-Profile Headliners At UFC 309

    Before Jones defends his belt and Oliveira runs it back with Chandler, a number of other notable names will take to the Octagon looking to make the most of their position on the major UFC 309 card.

    That includes fast-rising flyweight Karine Silva, who gets her toughest assignment to date opposite longtime contender Viviane Araújo. Having won all four of her UFC fights and risen to #11 on the ladder following a submission of Maryna Moroz and decision victory over Ariane Lipski, “Killer” will look to break into title contention at the expense of Araújo, who lost to Natália Silva last time out.

    Prior to that, the undefeated Bo Nickal gets his latest test. As he looks to build his skills up outside the rankings, the wrestling specialist will meet a submission artist who has previously held numbers next to his name at both 185 and 205 pounds in Scotland’s Paul Craig.

    And opening the UFC 309 main card will be a former champion as veteran Chris Weidman looks to secure his first win streak since he moved to 13-0 with a successful title defense against Vitor Belfort back in 2015. Following on from a controversial victory over Bruno Silva, the 40-year-old will make the walk inside MSG to do battle with ex-American football linebacker Eryk Anders.

    Those pairings have gotten the nod to feature on the main card over the light heavyweight clash between #6-ranked contender Nikita Krylov and the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov, which is currently slated to top the preliminary portion of the event.

    See below for the full UFC 309 card, as it stands.

    Main Card:

    • Light Heavyweight Championship Main Event: Jon Jones (C) vs. Stipe Miocic
    • Lightweight Co-Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
    • Women’s Flyweight: Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva
    • Middleweight: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
    • Middleweight: Eryk Anders vs. Chris Weidman

    Preliminary Card:

    • Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov
    • Bantamweight: Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
    • Lightweight: Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Welterweight: Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
    • Welterweight: Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott
    • Women’s Flyweight: Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
    UFC 309's Nikita Krylov
    Image: UFC.com
  • Top Lightweight Contender Predicts ‘Easy Money’ For Charles Oliveira In Michael Chandler Rematch

    Top Lightweight Contender Predicts ‘Easy Money’ For Charles Oliveira In Michael Chandler Rematch

    At UFC 309 in New York, Michael Chandler will make his long awaited return to the Octagon where he’s in search of revenge. After waiting for his fight with Conor McGregor to materialize for so long, he’s happy with how things worked out even though he’s not fighting “The Mac”.

    Instead, “Iron” Mike has the opportunity to put himself right back in the title picture by beating Charles Oliveira in a rematch of their first meeting over three years ago.

    After Chandler’s big win over Dan Hooker on his UFC debut, he and “Do Bronx” put on a crazy fight at UFC 262 which saw the Brazilian stop him in the second round to win the lightweight title that was left behind by Khabib Nurmagomedov in retirement.

    One contender at 155-pounds that has been very critical of Chandler’s all-action fighting style is Arman Tsarukyan, who appears to be gearing up for a rematch with the champion, Islam Makhachev, early next year. He’s made it clear that he’s not the biggest fan of the former Bellator star and doesn’t respect him as a top fighter in the division.

    Tsarukyan is coming off of a hard fought win over Oliveira last time out at UFC 300 to solidify his status as the number one contender in the division. When looking at the upcoming co-main event at Madison Square Garden in an interview with MMA Junkie, it’s no surprise that he’s picking his former opponent to win in convincing fashion and earn the next shot at the belt.

    “Michael Chandler going to lose for sure. He’s number one easy fight for Charles Oliveira, he’s going to choke him out or knock him out. Easy money for Oliveira so so happy for him and after the fight, Oliveira is going to be the next after me so I’m going to fight with Islam and after that fight, for sure he’s going to fight for the title because he has a big name, he was the champion and the UFC loves him.” 

  • Michael Chandler: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan Won’t Be ‘Close’

    Michael Chandler: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan Won’t Be ‘Close’

    UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has a clear view on how his division’s expected next title fight will play out.

    Chandler is currently gearing up for his long-awaited return to action at Madison Square Garden next month. Two years on from a loss to Dustin Poirier at the venue, “Iron” will return to New York City to run it back with Charles Oliveira.

    Should he achieve redemption for his 2021 defeat to “Do Bronx,” Chandler’s eyes will seemingly turn to the next assignment for champion Islam Makhachev, who is expected to put his 155-pound gold on the line in a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan.

    During an appearance on Uncrowned’s The Ariel Helwani Show this week, Chandler looked ahead to that contest and provided a surprisingly one-sided prediction.

    The former three-time Bellator champion acknowledged that Tsarukyan gave Makhachev a run for their money when they shared the cage in Moscow five years ago. But when it comes to their high-stakes second dance, Chandler doesn’t think the Russian-Armenian will be competitive.

    “I fancy Islam (in that fight),” Chandler said. “I’ll be sitting there cageside seeing who my next opponent is. I think Islam is just — he has evolved a lot over the last couple of fights. He’s going to get the takedown. If he does get the takedown, I think he can get the submission. And obviously, he showed against Poirier that he’s something to be reckoned with on the feet these days.

    “So I think Islam gets the job done, and I don’t think it’s that close,” Chandler continued. “I’m not necessarily saying he dominates Arman, but I do think he takes this one pretty handily. … I think Islam has come a long way. … I don’t think it will be as close as the last one was.”

    While Chandler would prefer to be the one who unseats Makhachev in 2025, should Tsarukyan achieve the feat instead, ready-made animosity certainly exists to set up a future clash.

    “Iron” and “Akhalkalakets” have long gone back and forth on social media, with Tsarukyan most recently mocking the #6-ranked contender following his decision to finally move on from the long-delayed Conor McGregor fight.

  • Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s MMA Legacy Is On The Line

    Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s MMA Legacy Is On The Line

    Michael Chandler believes that Conor McGregor will return to the octagon. UFC President Dana White recently stated that he expects McGregor to return in early 2025.

    McGregor last fought in 2022, suffering a devastating leg injury in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, which ended in Poirier’s victory. Initially, it looked like Chandler and McGregor would headline UFC 303 in June, but McGregor withdrew from the fight due to injury.

    During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chandler explained why he hopes McGregor eventually makes his comeback.

    “Conor’s a very ‘Flavor of the Week’ kind of guy,” Chandler said. “I believe Conor McGregor fights again. The way it’s all happened—the campaign he’s put on, calling it ‘The Greatest Comeback in Combat Sports History.’ The Ultimate Fighter, signing a contract to fight me, and then pulling out…

    If you think about Conor McGregor’s legacy, he’s been the guy who never backed down, even when opponents pulled out of fights. He’d say, ‘I don’t care! Dana, figure out who I’m fighting.’ That’s been his legacy.”

    Driving Force Behind McGregor’s Return

    Chandler also highlighted the impact of McGregor’s injuries, suggesting that they may be a driving force behind his potential return. As a fellow fighter, Chandler can’t imagine McGregor being content with how his career could end in the way it has gone.

    “To let his career end a couple of years ago after breaking his leg, and then going through a training camp and all the promotion for TUF 31—only to pull out of a fight with a broken pinkie toe—that can’t be the last chapter of his legacy.

    I don’t think Conor wants that. If you look at how he lives, he doesn’t seem to be focused on training or fighting like the rest of us savages, but I do believe he’s still romantic about the sport. When he does come back, I believe he fights me.”

  • Michael Chandler Confident UFC Won’t Favor Hooker For McGregor’s Return Fight 

    Michael Chandler Confident UFC Won’t Favor Hooker For McGregor’s Return Fight 

    UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler remains confident of being the promotion’s first choice when it comes to Conor McGregor’s comeback fight in 2025.

    Chandler was announced as the former two-division champion’s return opponent and opposition coach on The Ultimate Fighter toward the start of 2023. But while they completed the reality series, their matchup is still yet to reach the cage.

    And the chances of it doing so took a hit following the cancellation of their UFC 303 main event this past June and Chandler’s subsequent decision to accept a co-headline slot against Charles Oliveira at next month’s UFC 309 pay-per-view.

    Despite that, both Dana White and “Iron” have suggested the McGregor clash remains on the table. And the former Bellator champion insist he remains first choice, even in spite of the Irishman naming Dan Hooker as his opponent instead.

    During an appearance on the debut episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Chandler was asked for his reaction to McGregor’s latest remarks regarding his return to MMA competition in 2025.

    The #6-ranked contender, who started his UFC journey with a victory over Hooker, dismissed McGregor’s comments while at BKFC Spain this past weekend as being serious.

    And in any case, Chandler doesn’t foresee the promotion being on board with “The Hangman” welcoming the Dubliner back to action over him.

    “Conor’s a very ‘flavor of the week’ kind of guy. He just had a conversation with Dan Hooker. Everybody knows Dan Hooker’s an awesome dude. You can sit there and have a beer with him, a Forged Irish Stout, in the middle of a squared ring and be like, ‘Hey, man. I like you, you like me, we can make some magic, let’s fight each other!’ I looked no further than that, honestly.

    “I don’t think the UFC’s going to be very keen on McGregor vs. Hooker compared to McGregor vs. Chandler, since we need to make this fight happen,” Chandler continued. “I’m not really worried about it. It’s been up in the air for the better part of two years. So I’m not going to spend any time or energy or effort worrying about it.”

    Before potentially putting his sights back on McGregor, Chandler will need to have his full energy on the opportunity to avenge the defeat he fell to in his sole UFC title fight to date back in 2022.

    And should he accomplish that feat against Oliveira inside Madison Square Garden on Nov. 17, perhaps a second shot at reaching the lightweight mountaintop will await him next year.

  • ‘If This Is True…’ – Fans React As Conor McGregor Names New Opponent, Date, Location For His UFC Comeback

    ‘If This Is True…’ – Fans React As Conor McGregor Names New Opponent, Date, Location For His UFC Comeback

    Surprise, surprise, The King…is making claims of another new date and place for a comeback. But if it happens, is there a change in plans for his opponent?

    In an interview with Bloody Elbow while in Marbella for Saturday’s BKFC event, Conor McGregor claimed that his long-awaited, long-delayed return to the Octagon will now come on February 1 when the UFC is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for its second event in the country.

    Though rumored, there is no confirmation that this event could serve as UFC 312 — just two weeks after the promotion holds UFC 311 in January as its first pay-per-view for 2025.

    What’s noteworthy about McGregor’s remarks, however, is that the opponent for such a fight would now be Dan Hooker, apparently…

    Michael Chandler had long been planned to be McGregor’s comeback opponent, stretching back to their time coaching season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2023. The two were scheduled to meet at UFC 303 earlier this year before McGregor withdrew.

    Chandler has since been booked to face Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 309 on Nov. 16 — a rematch of their lightweight title fight from UFC 262 in 2021.

    Conor McGregor Claims He Will Now Face Dan Hooker In Saudi Arabia

    https://twitter.com/Lizard69Talking/status/1845259127817130149

    UFC CEO Dana White had assured that McGregor vs. Chandler was still on the table even with the latter taking the fight with Oliveira. If McGregor’s comments are true, this would be a 180 from those plans.

    The Irishman has previously claimed he wants to fight twice in 2025, which would allow him to complete his UFC contract and enter free agency. He became part-owner of BKFC earlier this year.

    McGregor has not fought since his UFC 264 loss to Dustin Poirier in their July 2021 trilogy fight. Hooker, meanwhile, defeated Mateusz Gamrot in upset fashion at UFC 305 in August to return to the top five at 155 pounds.

  • Conor McGregor Eyes Multiple Options For 2025 UFC Return

    Conor McGregor Eyes Multiple Options For 2025 UFC Return

    Conor McGregor recently asserted that a handful of options are under consideration for his long-awaited return to the Octagon.

    “The Notorious” has been out of action for over three years, ever since he endured a devastating leg fracture during his trilogy clash with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

    Although McGregor has occasionally teased a comeback after serving as a coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter against his rival Michael Chandler, he had even lined up a fight with “Iron” for UFC 303 this past June.

    Unfortunately, just two weeks prior to the scheduled fight, the matchup was canceled after McGregor was forced to withdraw due to a leg injury. Since then, Chandler has redirected his ambitions and is now set to face Charles Oliveira in a rematch, which will serve as the co-main event of UFC 309 on November 16.

    McGregor Affirms Interest In Chandler Fight While Exploring Options

    During a recent interview with The Schmo, McGregor opened up about his potential return to the UFC. The former two-division champion expressed his desire to settle what started with Chandler upon his comeback but also mentioned that several other names are in the mix for a possible fight.

    Although “The Notorious” refrained from naming any particular opponents, he indicated that a trilogy bout with Nate Diaz and a quadrilogy with Poirier still hold considerable appeal for him.

    “We’re looking for the date. I’d like to square it away with Michael Chandler. You know, I’d like to get Chandler in. We’ve had our beef. It’s not settled. He has a match scheduled. I would like to fight before he’s recovered.

    There’s a few names in the line at the minute. There’s a few names being discussed.”

    – Conor McGregor

    While McGregor has repeatedly conveyed his enthusiasm for a return by the end of the year, UFC CEO Dana White has firmly stated that the Irishman won’t be stepping back into the Octagon until early 2025.

    “The Notorious” last tasted victory in January 2020 when he faced Donald Cerrone. With a notably sparse fighting schedule, McGregor has recorded a disappointing 3-4 in his last seven outings since 2016.

  • Michael Chandler Would ‘Bet The Farm’ On Conor McGregor Fight Happening In 2025

    UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler is still not giving up hope of sharing the Octagon with Conor McGregor down the line.

    Chandler was initially announced as the former two-division UFC champion’s comeback opponent toward the start of 2023, with the pair first coaching opposite one another on The Ultimate Fighter.

    Since the show’s conclusion, multiple rumored dates have passed by, in addition to an officially booked one at International Fight Week this past June. That injury delay and the uncertainty that followed it finally did it for Chandler, whose sights are now set elsewhere.

    The 38-year-old is set to make his return at UFC 309 next month, over two years on from a defeat to Dustin Poirier last time out. Back at Madison Square Garden, Chandler will once again do battle with former UFC champ Charles Oliveira.

    But while “Iron” is expecting to secure a second title shot on MMA’s biggest stage with a victory in New York City, that doesn’t mean McGregor is off his mind for 2025…

    Chandler Confident McGregor Fight Happens Despite Failed Wait

    During a recent interview with ESPN’s Andreas Hale, Chandler reflected on his decision to finally move on from McGregor and accept a different assignment for the back end of 2024.

    Chandler, McGregor, and UFC CEO Dana White have noted that the long-awaited clash of last year’s TUF coaches is not completely off the table and could be rebooked.

    The former three-time Bellator champ, for one, is incredibly confident of that coming to fruition, in addition to a championship challenge following a victory at UFC 309 on Nov. 16.

    “There’s no doubt that Chandler versus McGregor happens at some point in 2025,” Chandler said. “And there’s no doubt that when I beat Charles, I’m next in line for the title. Both of those fights will happen. I will fight for the title, and I will fight Conor McGregor. And I will bet the farm on it.”

    For now, Chandler will have his full focus on achieving redemption opposite Oliveira at Madison Square Garden.

    Having had his first shot at reaching the lightweight mountaintop stalled by “Do Bronx” in 2021, “Iron” will hope to secure a second at the Brazilian’s expense next month.

  • ‘Selfish’ UFC Told To Financially Compensate Michael Chandler For Conor McGregor Wait

    According to one longtime rival of Conor McGregor’s, Michael Chandler is owed a lot by the UFC for his lengthy stint on the sidelines.

    By the time Chandler enters the Octagon again, it will have been two years since his most recent outing. The former Bellator champion started life on MMA’s biggest stage in rapid fashion, but that trend has certainly dipped in recent times.

    That’s no doubt down to one man, “The Notorious” McGregor. His comeback was announced toward the start of 2023, with the Irishman confirmed to be coaching opposite Chandler on The Ultimate Fighter before their own clash inside the cage at the end of the season.

    But the finale came and went, as did multiple rumored fight dates and an official booking at UFC 303 this past June. Chandler remained steadfast in his desire to wait for McGregor, in spite of plenty urging him to move on.

    Finally, confirmation that the Dubliner won’t return until 2025 has seen Chandler accept a different assignment, running it back with former UFC lightweight kingpin Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 this November.

    With that five-round rematch inside Madison Square Garden, Chandler has the chance to reignite his title ambitions, which took a hit when he was submitted by Dustin Poirier last time out in late 2022.

    One man who has had his fair share of back and forth with McGregor, however, doesn’t think Chandler is getting enough for his troubles…

    McGregor Rival Calls For Chandler To Be Financially Rewarded For Patience

    During a recent interview with CanadaCasino.ca, former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi gave his assessment of the situation between McGregor and Chandler.

    Malignaggi has long had strong feelings when it comes to the former, with the pair having animosity between them stemming back to the release of sparring footage that appeared to show McGregor knocking “Magic Man” down in 2017.

    The ex-boxer evidently has similar views on the UFC as he slammed the promotion for ‘underpaying’ its fighters. And because of that, he doesn’t expect Chandler to be getting the kind of compensation he believes “Iron” deserves.

    “I’d love for Chandler to be financially rewarded for waiting but I doubt it. Who’s going to reward him? The UFC is run by the most selfish people. They underpay the fighters who fight — imagine how they treat the fighters who don’t,” Malignaggi said. “He should be compensated, but I’m not sure how they’d handle that. I think he deserves it, but he’s been waiting on the sidelines for this fight, and it’s just not going to happen for him.

    “I feel for Chandler. Fighting is a tough way to make a living. It’s not easy. You get damaged, your best years pass by, and you can’t go back to reach the levels you want,” Malignaggi continued. “When you get to the point where your best years are behind you, you’d hope for a big payday to make the rest of your life more comfortable. This struggle is common in combat sports.”

    While it remains to be seen whether Chandler will be getting anything additional for the ultimately unsuccessful wait he endured, perhaps he’s more likely to be given his targeted title shot in 2025 should he avenge his past loss to Oliveira come fight night at MSG later this year.

  • Michael Chandler Responds To Fan Who Says Conor McGregor Ducked Him: ‘I Knew All Along…’

    Michael Chandler Responds To Fan Who Says Conor McGregor Ducked Him: ‘I Knew All Along…’

    Michael Chandler has spent a long time talking about Conor McGregor, his actions outside of the cage and whether their fight was going to happen or not.

    After the many months of trying to focus on himself, this ended up paying off once it was announced that the fight wouldn’t be next for “Iron” Mike.

    He will instead face Charles Oliveira in a rematch over five rounds at Madison Square Garden, for UFC 309.

    Given the number of times McGregor has teased an imminent UFC return, it would be understandable that his opponent would be left with a bad taste in his mouth.

    However, a recent post from Chandler on social media points to the idea that he isn’t frustrated after waiting all this time, only for the fight to not happen.

    It also appears that Chandler doesn’t hold any hard feelings towards McGregor for this period of his career where he has been left to his own devices.

    Michael Chandler Says That The Conor McGregor Fight Not Happening Is ‘Water Under The Bridge’

    A fan on X tagged Chandler and McGregor in a post, claiming that in the middle of this major news cycle, it has been left out that “The Notorious” ducked the fight.

    This isn’t the way that “Iron” Mike sees the outcome as is apparent in his response.

    Chandler suggests that the fight taking place was always something that he had reservations about, but that doesn’t mean he is letting it bother him.

    Instead, he hopes to take positives away from this time off, having spoken about changing his mindset by reflecting on his previous fights and looking at where he wants to be.

    “Water under the bridge. I knew all along it was a long shot…I took the time to calibrate and plan this Chandler 2.0 season.”

    Read also: Jon Anik Outlines ‘Silver Lining’ For The UFC After Sean O’Malley’s Title Loss

  • Conor McGregor Reveals Preferred Opponent For UFC Return After Chandler vs. Oliveira Booking

    Conor McGregor Reveals Preferred Opponent For UFC Return After Chandler vs. Oliveira Booking

    After last weekend’s announcement of Michael Chandler competing later this year in a fight that does not involve him, many are now left questioning what is next for Conor McGregor in the UFC.

    UFC CEO Dana White announced last weekend that Chandler will not be facing McGregor next. Instead, “Iron” will face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a five-round co-main event at UFC 309 on Nov. 16.

    White added at the time that they were looking at some point in 2025 for McGregor’s next fight, reiterating comments he made a month earlier following the Dana White’s Contender Series season premiere that McGregor will not compete in 2024.

    In the immediate aftermath, McGregor expressed confusion about his placement in the UFC following the booking of Oliveira vs. Chandler 2. A week later, however, the former UFC two-division champion has seemed to have changed his tone.

    In an interview with Ariel Helwani during the DAZN broadcast of Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois on Saturday night, McGregor claimed he’s unbothered by waiting until 2025.

    Conor McGregor Still Wants Michael Chandler, Says It Is A ‘Must’ To Fight Out UFC Contract

    “It will be 2025,” McGregor said. “It is what it is. I just take it on board and just rock on. And my job is just to be in the gym, be in the gym, be in shape. One thing is for sure: whenever it is, and wherever it is, I will be 100 percent ready. That’s all I can focus on right now.”

    McGregor added that it is a “must” to compete twice in 2025. McGregor has two fights remaining on his current UFC contract but said he was unsure what happens when he becomes a free agent.

    White, last week, stated that McGregor vs. Chandler is not completely shut down and could still happen after Chandler fights Oliveira.

    When asked about who he wants across the cage from him in his return, McGregor, while uncertain, claimed plans are still unchanged in his mind. He wants to finish his business with Chandler.

    “Man, who knows now?” McGregor said. “It does not matter. I’d like it to be Chandler; I’d like that to be squared away. I wish him well against Oliveira, but let’s see how it goes.”

    McGregor has not been seen in the UFC since breaking his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

    Chandler and Oliveira, meanwhile, previously fought in the main event of UFC 262 in 2021, facing each other for the then-vacant UFC lightweight championship. “Do Bronx” scored the win via second-round TKO.

  • Charles Oliveira Open To Conor McGregor Fight Should He Beat Michael Chandler On One Condition

    Charles Oliveira Open To Conor McGregor Fight Should He Beat Michael Chandler On One Condition

    The fate of Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is more uncertain than ever, but Charles Oliveira says he’s open to fighting McGregor as long as a certain stipulation is met.

    After even more time has passed without a set date for McGregor vs. Chandler, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed just prior to Noche UFC (UFC 3060 last weekend that Chandler has opted to take a fight with Oliveira.

    The clash between “Do Bronx” and “Iron” will serve as a five-round co-main event for UFC 309, which takes place on Nov. 16 at New York’s Madison Square Garden. It will be a rematch from their lightweight title bout at UFC 262 and Chandler’s first fight since losing to Dustin Poirier at the same venue two years earlier.

    There has been some supposed reassurance that Chandler’s planned fight with McGregor, which has been long awaited since the two were announced as the coaches for The Ultimate Fighter season 31 in early 2023, can still happen following the Oliveira bout. But given the Brazilian’s status as as former lightweight champion who is still high up in the UFC’s lightweight rankings, it brings about questions as to how Oliveira vs. Chandler 2’s outcome could impact plans for both the UFC lightweight title and McGregor.

    In an interview with MMA Fighting, Oliveira said he does not blame Chandler for waiting as long as he did. However, he himself would not have had the same patience.

    That said, Oliveira was also asked about choosing between another crack at the lightweight gold and McGregor.

    Charles Oliveira Says He’d Fight Conor McGregor As Long As He’d Get Title Shot In Next Fight: ‘Why Not?’

    Ultimately, Oliveira said if he was forced to pick between the two, he would lean toward the title fight. But, the ex-titleholder said he would be down to fight McGregor if it guaranteed him a title fight in the next outing.

    “Am I next in line if I beat McGregor? If that’s the plan, then I’m 100 percent in. But if you say, ‘No, you have to choose one of the two,’ I’m definitely going for the title,” Oliveira said. “If I have the opportunity to fight Conor and we make a lot of money, because he sells a lot and so do I — and we would definitely brow the roofs off with this pay-per-view —, not to mention the money off the purse, and I’m still next for the belt, I would definitely do it. Why not?

    “(My managers Diego Lima and Jorge Patino) know what my plan is. I want the fights that take me to the belt. I’ve been posting a lot these days, ‘Waiting for the boss to call,’ and the UFC definitely sees that. Diego and ‘Macaco’ came with the Chandler fight, and I’m definitely much closer to the title with a win over Chandler. I’ll just stay focused now. Chandler is super tough and deserves all the respect. He knows how much I respect and care for him, so it’s definitely going to be a great fight.”

    Oliveira will be looking to rebound from a split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan in a title eliminator at UFC 300. “Do Bronx” defeated Chandler for the then-vacant lightweight title at UFC 262 and defended the title against Poirier at UFC 269. He controversially lost the title on the scale before UFC 274 and then lost a vacant title fight with current champ Islam Makhachev at UFC 280.

    The UFC lightweight title is next expected to be defended in early 2025 in a fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan.

    Chandler is 2-3 in the UFC, with victories over Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson in addition to his losses opposite Poirier, Oliveira, and Gaethje.

    McGregor, meanwhile, has not fought since breaking his leg in a trilogy bout with Poirier at UFC 264.

  • Dan Hooker Lays Down Beer-Related Stipulation To Fight Conor McGregor As Michael Chandler Matchup ‘Stopped Making Sense’

    Dan Hooker Lays Down Beer-Related Stipulation To Fight Conor McGregor As Michael Chandler Matchup ‘Stopped Making Sense’

    Michael Chandler finally moving past the Conor McGregor fight to take on Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 is bound to shake up the UFC lightweight division. Ahead of the return of the former title challenger, Dan Hooker has also emerged as a new contender with three straight wins.

    Hooker has returned to the top five lightweight rankings and claims to be more serious than ever about earning a title shot. He wouldn’t risk going into fights injured or without proper training. “The Hangman” is open to money fights with the likes of McGregor as well.

    Here’s why Hooker thinks it makes more sense for McGregor to fight him than Chandler but the Dubliner must fulfill a unique condition…

    Dan Hooker Expects Him And Conor McGregor To Drink Beers Every Day During Their Fight Camps

    Hooker opened up on the current state of the UFC lightweight division in an interview on the Submission Radio YouTube channel recently. He explained that after a nearly two-year-long layoff, the Chandler matchup wasn’t intriguing enough for McGregor.

    Beating Chandler wouldn’t have helped the Irishman claim a title shot or even enter the top five UFC lightweight rankings. So, Hooker suggests that fighting a top ranked and active lightweight like himself is a more sensible option for “The Notorious” at this point.

    “He’s without a fight. I know Conor’s hungry to fight, um, and fight someone that he can get something from and make a lot of sense. That’s why I feel like Chandler kind of sitting there and waiting, he, and not staying active, you kind of lose. Like what does he get out of Chandler. He doesn’t even get in the… he knocks out Michael Chandler in the first round, Conor McGregor doesn’t even get in the top five off of that performance. So, therefore, like, it doesn’t. It stopped making sense for Conor McGregor to fight Michael Chandler.”

    Hooker also admitted he’d be more than happy to fight McGregor. He remembered that there’s no bad blood between the two and stylistically, their bout would be quite entertaining for fans of striking and violence.

    “The Hangman” joked (or maybe not) about the stipulation he’ll lay down for fighting McGregor. Both fighters must prove that they’ve been drinking beers every day of fight camp or they show failed breathalyzer tests daily.

    “That’s a stipulation of the fight, we have to send each other drinking beers every single day of fight camp. We have to, we have to both agree to both agree. We maybe, we can get a breathalyzer, we can send each other a failed breathalyzer test every day of fight camp and we’ll get this thing squared away.”

  • Dan Hooker Theorizes Why UFC Booked Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler: ‘Bidding War’

    Dan Hooker Theorizes Why UFC Booked Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler: ‘Bidding War’

    Michael Chandler had been sitting out to fight Conor McGregor for nearly two years. However, with uncertainty still surrounding that matchup, he’s moved on to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in a five-round co-main event.

    Chandler and Oliveira previously fought at UFC 262 for lightweight gold, which was the former’s second fight in the UFC. “Do Bronxs” almost got knocked out in the first but bounced back by finishing “Iron” early in the second.

    Top five UFC lightweight Dan Hooker is also close to a title shot following his win over Mateusz Gamrot. The fan-favorite brawler has an interesting theory on why the UFC has booked Oliveira and Chandler and how it benefits the promotion to have multiple contenders…

    Dan Hooker Calls Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler A Weird Fight But Understands Why The UFC Booked It

    Hooker discussed the highly anticipated lightweight matchup between Chandler and Oliveira during an interview on the Submission Radio YouTube channel recently. He didn’t initially seem too excited about the booking but also revealed why it makes sense for the UFC.

    According to “The Hangman”, the UFC wouldn’t want Arman Tsarukyan to be the only title contender at lightweight for financial reasons. Negotiating with a fighter is harder if they’re the only obvious choice to fight for any division’s title, not just lightweight.

    So, by booking Oliveira and Chandler for UFC 309, the UFC is looking to get another potential lightweight title contender. Meanwhile, Hooker can solidify a title shot too after winning his next fight. This way, the UFC will have three contenders for the belt and instead of rigid negotiations, the promotion can initiate a bidding war between the three.

    “Yeah, I still think it’s Arman next and then, I feel like it’s such a. I can see why the UFC’s kind of matching the fights that they’re matching these fights is because they want options, right? Because if there’s just, if there’s just one guy that’s like head and shoulders next in line for the title and it’s set in stone, then, obviously, negotiating becomes very difficult for them because they’re like everyone expects this fight, the pressure’s on the UFC to make this fight so obviously, the bloke can ask for a s**t ton more money.”

    “The Hangman” then explained how the situation mentioned above can be neutralized by having multiple contenders:

    “If the UFC matches a bunch of fights and gets like three or four contenders and no one’s really sure about who’s next. Then, like, it becomes like just a bit of a bidding war between the fighters. So, I get why the UFC is doing it the way they’re doing it is because they want as many guys that make sense for the title as they possibly can. So, yeah, Chandler gets by him, you know, I win my next fight, then you got three guys that have like justification for getting a title shot.”

    Despite it being obvious to most fans, the UFC hasn’t booked Islam Makhachev against Tsarukyan because of the champion’s injury. The lightweight kingpin is expected to return by the end of 2024 or early 2025, and getting a couple more contenders by then seems like the best-case scenario for the promotion, according to Hooker’s theory.

  • Former Champ Skeptical Of Michael Chandler Beating ‘Meaningful Favorite’ Charles Oliveira At UFC 309

    Former Champ Skeptical Of Michael Chandler Beating ‘Meaningful Favorite’ Charles Oliveira At UFC 309

    Michael Chandler last fought in November 2022 and lost via third-round submission to Dustin Poirier. Because the fight was a back-and-forth brawl like his usual bouts, he didn’t lose his appeal and was soon booked to welcome back Conor McGregor to the UFC.

    McGregor and Chandler shot The Ultimate Fighter 31, but it never translated into a fight as the Irishman was first busy shooting Roadhouse and then pulled out of UFC 303 because of a toe injury. Chandler had been waiting on the sidelines but he’s now snapped out of it to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.

    Both Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen believe that fighting “Do Bronxs” is not at all optimal for Chandler…

    Daniel Cormier & Chael Sonnen Explain Why Charles Oliveira Is A Worse Matchup For Michael Chandler Than Conor McGregor

    Sonnen and Cormier discussed the UFC 309 co-main event on a recent episode of Good Guy / Bad Guy on the ESPN MMA YouTube channel. Both UFC greats appreciated “Iron” for moving on from the Dubliner as the latter has shown no real proof of returning to the Octagon lately.

    Having said that, both Sonnen and DC are concerned about Chandler facing Oliveira after a nearly two-year-long layoff. While he’s been sitting out, “Do Bronxs” has knocked out Beneil Dariush and given Arman Tsarkuyan one of his toughest fights yet.

    Here are Cormier’s two cents on Chandler’s UFC 309 return:

    “Chandler will never get a bigger fight, but he did get a tougher fight. Charles Oliveira is still fighting at the top of the game. Charles Oliveira was scheduled to fight for the world championship and then got hurt with the big cut. Charles Oliveira fought Tsarukyan and fought him competitively who is now fighting for the world championship. These guys are as good as they come. Michael Chandler, though, has sat, and that’s the problem.”

    Chandler nearly knocked out Oliveira early during their first outing. However, according to Cormier, he might not be equally effective or explosive after not being inside the Octagon for almost 24 months.

    “The American Gangster” also remembered that the McGregor fight was supposed to happen at 170 pounds. On the other hand, Chandler will have to weigh in at 155 pounds for Oliveira which is an additional mental and physical burden, to say the least.

    Here’s what Sonnen thinks about the UFC 309 co-main event:

    “Charles Oliveira is a rough night out. Not to mention, it’s a match they’ve already done. You don’t get better at a sport by not doing it. Chandler’s been on the side lines waiting to do it, I got to think that Oliveira is a meaningful favorite here. I would think the line’s only about two to one and a half but I think those people are going to be very confident. I like that he’s back. It’s a very tough night out.”

  • Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s Spirit Loves MMA, Not His Body Or Mind

    Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s Spirit Loves MMA, Not His Body Or Mind

    Michael Chandler recently shared his belief that Conor McGregor’s deep passion for MMA will inevitably draw him back to the Octagon.

    Chandler’s name has been linked to the former two-division UFC champion ever since the two were cast as rival coaches on The Ultimate Fighter season 31 last year. The plan was to eventually clash in a highly anticipated showdown in the season finale.

    However, by the third quarter of 2024, “Iron” remained laser-focused on his training, passing up opportunities to compete against other fighters as he stayed committed to the long-promised bout with McGregor. Meanwhile, “The Notorious” was frequently seen enjoying his extravagant lifestyle, partying, and fully embracing his larger-than-life persona.

    With the slippery McGregor fight fading from the horizon, Chandler seems to have set those aspirations aside for now. Instead, he’s gearing up for a high-stakes rematch against Charles Oliveira in a five-round co-main event at UFC 309, set for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    Chandler and Oliveira first squared off for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 262 in May 2021. In that bout, the Brazilian emerged victorious with a second-round TKO to claim UFC gold.

    The upcoming rematch doesn’t suggest that ‘Iron’ has abandoned his lofty goal of fighting McGregor. On the contrary, the former Bellator lightweight champion remains hopeful that the potential matchup could still materialize sometime next year.

    Chandler Says McGregor Is Too ‘Romantic’ About MMA to Stay Away

    During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Chandler was asked if, after all the hurdles in booking his fight with McGregor, he still believes the Irishman will ever return to the UFC. The former lightweight title challenger acknowledged that while ‘The Notorious’ may currently be focused on ventures outside the UFC, he firmly believes McGregor’s deep-rooted passion for MMA will inevitably pull him back. And when that moment comes, Chandler assured that he’ll be ready to face him.

    “You just look at his history. Conor McGregor is a nothing, a nobody, without the sport of mixed martial arts, without the UFC platform, without the legacy that he’s created,” Chandler said. “I believe he’s romantic about it. I believe he loves the sport. I believe his spirit loves the sport, but sometimes his body and his brain want other things, right? And I’ve never walked a mile in that man’s shoes, neither have you, so who are we to critique him? But I do believe he comes back, and when he does, I’ll be waiting. I just might have the title by then, so it could be a very interesting set of circumstances.”

    “Iron” hasn’t fought for almost two years, following his third-round submission loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022. Many have speculated that Chandler squandered his prime years by remaining inactive, waiting for a fight with McGregor.

    However, the 38-year-old American has no regrets about his time away from the cage. Instead, he believes the break was much-needed, allowing him to recharge and reset away from the relentless grind of competition.

    “When I step into the Octagon next time, it’s going to be two years since I fought. But I already had a bout agreement, already had a contract signed, already broke the biggest gate record, and was lined up against Conor. We had a fight, but the fight got pulled, so you can’t really have any regrets. All you can do is make the best decisions… I enjoyed myself; I needed some time away from the sport. When you’re fighting the best and toughest guys in the world, constantly in training camps, constantly dealing with the pressure and the rigors of what I go through—because I take it so seriously—the sport can chew you up and gobble you up.”

    Chandler and McGregor were ultimately slated to headline UFC 303 this past June, but the fight was abruptly scrapped at the eleventh hour when McGregor pulled out just two weeks before the event due to a leg injury.

    Since then, the UFC superstar has repeatedly vowed to make his return by the end of the year. However, UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that fans may have to wait longer, suggesting McGregor’s comeback might not happen until 2025.

  • Michael Chandler Explains Why He Won’t Call Failed Wait For Conor McGregor ‘Wasted Time’

    UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler insists that the patience he showed in a failed pursuit of fighting Conor McGregor only had positive effects on him as an individual and fighter.

    By the time Chandler next enters the Octagon, it will have been two years since his previous outing. After a submission loss to Dustin Poirier at Madison Square Garden in 2022, the former Bellator champion will return to New York City this coming November to run it back with Charles Oliveira.

    The pair’s five-round co-headliner at UFC 309 was announced this past weekend, bringing an end to Chandler’s lengthy wait to welcome the sport’s biggest superstar back to action.

    The 38-year-old was penciled in as McGregor’s return opponent way back at the start of 2023 when they were announced as opposition coaches on The Ultimate Fighter. After over a year of patient waiting for an official fight date, their UFC 303 headliner this past June didn’t come to fruition owing to an injury suffered by the Irishman.

    Many have long urged Chandler to move on from the “Notorious” star, and his decision to finally do so has been used as a ‘told you so’ moment by some in the mixed martial arts community.

    But while Chandler’s sights may now be off McGregor for the time being, he firmly disagrees with claims he ‘wasted’ the best part of two years in the latter part of his career by waiting for the Dublin native…

    Chandler On McGregor Wait: ‘It Wasn’t Wasted Time Because Of The Man I Became From It’

    During a recent appearance on the Ultimate Human Podcast with Gary Brecka, Chandler addressed his decision to stray from the uncertainty-filled McGregor path and put his crosshairs back on the UFC lightweight title.

    “Iron” admitted that his period on the sidelines was far from easy. But he seemingly has no regrets about the process, saying it moulded him into a better person.

    “Maybe this was the way it was supposed to be the entire time,” Chandler said. “I want to finish that chapter. We waited and there were so many ups and downs. I went through things with it. Being away from my family but then not actually getting to fight was very tough.

    “It wasn’t wasted time. I would never say it’s wasted time, right? Anybody listening, you’ve had times in your life and were like, ‘Man, that was a waste of time.’ But was it? It wasn’t really wasted time because of the man I became from it,” Chandler added.

    Chandler’s preparation will now switch to “Do Bronx,” a former champ he’ll be familiar with having shared the cage with him back in May 2021. The pair competed for the then-vacant lightweight belt, with “Iron’s” early success being rendered null when the Brazilian found the fight-ending shots in round two.

    The ex-Bellator standout will look to avenge that defeat and set up a showdown with the reigning kingpin in 2025 come fight night at MSG, where he and Oliveira will set the stage for Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic’s heavyweight clash.

  • Michael Chandler Explains What Will Be Different In Charles Oliveira Rematch: ‘Chandler 2.0…’

    Michael Chandler Explains What Will Be Different In Charles Oliveira Rematch: ‘Chandler 2.0…’

    During his long wait for the return of Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler has had a lot of time to think about how he wants to spend the remainder of his career.

    “Iron” Mike has delivered non-stop entertainment since arriving in the UFC back in 2021 where all but one of his Octagon appearances have seen him earn a performance or fight of the night bonus.

    That one exception is his first encounter with Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 where the two men fought for the vacant lightweight title in the aftermath of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement.

    The two men are now set to run it back over five rounds at UFC 309 in New York where Chandler believes that fans will see a new version of himself that has changed over time.

    Michael Chandler Explains Shift In Mindset Ahead Of Long Awaited Octagon Return

    Chandler states that during the two-year break between fights whilst he was waiting to face McGregor, he fell back in love with the sport due to the separation he had from it.

    In that time, the former Bellator champion underwent a change in mindset which he recently explained in an interview on Bussin’ With The Boys.

    Chandler describes how his mentality when he arrived in the UFC was to make as much noise as possible, throwing caution to the wind in order to get the fans off their seats.

    He certainly did that but in MMA, when you live by the sword, you die by it too and that all-action style can sometimes only get you so far.

    When asked what will be different about this rematch with “Do Bronx” over three years on from their first meeting, Chandler said that he’s coming into Madison Square Garden with a refreshed outlook.

    “The maturation process of who I am as an individual and fighter. For better or worse, I needed to come into the UFC and stake my claim and prove myself, right, and now I have proven myself. So, Chandler 1.0 was come into the UFC, prove the doubters wrong that this Bellator dude can’t come in and compete with the best guys in the world, obviously I have done that.

    “Win, lose or draw, it’s a great fight. Win, lose or draw, I’ve hurt everybody that I’ve fought. Win, lose or draw, I’m getting fight of the night. Win, lose or draw, you’re on the edge of your seat when Michael Chandler steps inside the Octagon right? And now, Chandler 2.0 is okay, I had an opportunity to step back, fall back in love with the sport and now I truly believe now more than ever that it’s time for me to go win the title so fighting Oliveira puts me in that position.”

    Read also: Former UFC Champion Explains Path To McGregor vs. Chandler Fight Despite Oliveira Booking

  • Former UFC Champion Explains Path To McGregor vs. Chandler Fight Despite Oliveira Booking

    Former UFC Champion Explains Path To McGregor vs. Chandler Fight Despite Oliveira Booking

    Michael Bisping recently laid out a possible route for Michael Chandler to secure his long-awaited bout with Conor McGregor, despite the American’s upcoming clash with his old rival, Charles Oliveira, looming on the horizon.

    “Iron” finds himself simmering with mounting bitterness, having been mired on the sidelines for an extended period while awaiting a fight with McGregor. Now, with that elusive matchup still out of reach, Chandler is set to face Oliveira in a five-round co-main event at UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

    Chandler and Oliveira’s upcoming bout will serve as a rematch of their vacant lightweight title clash at UFC 262 in May 2021, where “Do Bronx” secured a second-round TKO victory to claim the championship.

    Chandler has been biding his time, eagerly awaiting his showdown with “The Notorious” ever since they faced off as rival coaches on The Ultimate Fighter season 31 last year. Throughout this period, Chandler has stayed focused on his training while turning down opportunities to face other contenders.

    However, after encountering numerous setbacks in booking their bout, the two were eventually set to headline UFC 303 this past June, only for the bout to be scrapped at the eleventh hour when McGregor withdrew just two weeks before the event.

    The UFC 309 fight doesn’t entirely close the door on Chandler’s ambitious plans to face the former two-division UFC champion. In fact, Chandler remains optimistic, expressing confidence that his highly anticipated clash with McGregor could still come to fruition sometime in 2025.

    Bisping Discusses How Chandler Might Still Land McGregor Fight

    In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Bisping shared his thoughts on the current landscape of the UFC lightweight division, particularly as Chandler is set to fight Oliveira in a high-stakes rematch.

    The UFC Hall of Famer acknowledged that while this bout doesn’t carry the same blockbuster allure as a fight with McGregor, it holds equal significance for “Iron.” A victory over “Do Bronx” could propel Chandler back into the heart of a second title contention conversation.

    “He’s stepping in against Charles Oliveira,” Bisping said. “We know this is a rematch. Of course, Chandler had some success in the first fight—he did hurt Oliveira, but he also got hurt himself. He got dropped, so this is a very relevant fight for Michael Chandler. It’s not the Conor McGregor matchup, but it is a fight that is relevant in the title picture. If Chandler can go out there, if he can beat Charles Oliveira, if he can get his hands on Islam Makhachev next, which is what he says he wants, and become the champion of the world, then he can get a fight with Conor McGregor down the line.”

    “The Count” went on to suggest that if Chandler manages to capture the 155-pound title, it could pave the way for a future showdown with McGregor. Although McGregor’s prolonged absence from the Octagon would undoubtedly raise questions and draw heavy scrutiny, his undeniable star power could still secure him the fight.

    “Even though Conor McGregor shouldn’t get a title fight and you’ll all say I’m crazy, the man is super popular, and numbers talk, right? Money talks, bullsh*t runs the marathon. If Chandler is the champ, and Chandler said that McGregor’s road back to the Octagon only goes through him, we could see Chandler vs. McGregor for the lightweight strap. But there’s a lot of ifs and buts.”

    Chandler has been absent from the Octagon for nearly two years now. His last appearance came against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022, where “Iron” suffered a third-round submission loss despite a valiant showing. Meanwhile, McGregor has remained on the sidelines ever since suffering a devastating leg break during his trilogy bout against Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

  • Michael Chandler Moves On From Conor McGregor, Rematches Charles Oliveira At UFC 309

    Michael Chandler Moves On From Conor McGregor, Rematches Charles Oliveira At UFC 309

    It seems that Michael Chandler finally got sick of waiting.

    For the past year-and-a-half, Chandler has been penciled in as the return opponent for Conor McGregor. The former two-division UFC champion had his comeback announced toward the start of 2023, with the Irishman scheduled to coach opposite “Iron” on The Ultimate Fighter before sharing the cage with him.

    But after 2023 passed by without that matchup reaching the Octagon, talk of a UFC 300 headliner dissipated, and an official fight date in the form of UFC 303 fell through, another calendar year looks set to come and go with the absence of “The Notorious” star.

    With that, McGregor’s fans will seemingly be waiting until 2025 for his next fight. One man who won’t be waiting that long, however, is Chandler.

    Plenty have been urging the former Bellator champ to move on and take another fight. Despite frequently dismissing those calls, it seems that Chandler has now listened. After speaking with UFC CEO Dana White, Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox reported in a social media video that Chandler will indeed take a fight amid the uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s return.

    That bout? A five-round rematch with former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden on November 16.

    Chandler vs. Oliveira 2 Set Three Years On From Title Fight

    The major news means Chandler (23-8) and Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC) will run back their May 2021 showdown, which came just two months before the most recent Octagon appearance for McGregor.

    That bout marked the second UFC outing for Chandler, who debuted earlier in the year with an emphatic first-round knockout of Dan Hooker in Abu Dhabi. While the decision to grant him a shot caused debate, “Iron” came within inches of a title crowning in the opening round of the UFC 262 main event.

    But after “Do Bronx” survived, he quickly landed a fight-changing left hook to drop Chandler seconds into round two, setting up a memorable TKO finish and securing championship glory for the Brazilian.

    Oliveira has since fallen from the throne and failed to regain his place on it opposite Islam Makhachev. Most recently, the ex-champ was unsuccessful in his bid for number one contender status in narrow fashion against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 this past April.

    Chandler, meanwhile, has had his hand raised just once, brutally knoking out Tony Ferguson in 2022. Aside from that, the 38-year-old has suffered defeats to Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier, with his submission setback to the latter in November 2022 marking his last walk to the cage.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at UFC 309 are as follows:

    • Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler (lightweight co-main event)
    • Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov (light heavyweight)
    • Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders (middleweight)
    • Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva (women’s flyweight)
    • Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee (bantamweight)
    • Karine Silva vs. Viviane Araújo (women’s flyweight)
    • Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura (women’s flyweight)
    Charles Oliveira
    Image: UFC/YouTube
  • ‘Is Star Power Enough?’ – Daniel Cormier Questions Jorge Masvidal Wanting To Fight Michael Chandler In UFC

    ‘Is Star Power Enough?’ – Daniel Cormier Questions Jorge Masvidal Wanting To Fight Michael Chandler In UFC

    Jorge Masvidal became one of the biggest stars in the UFC in 2019. He started the year by knocking out top prospect Darren Till and then delivered one of the fastest KOs in UFC history against Ben Askren.

    Masvidal was then offered to fight for the BMF title against Nate Diaz, which he won via doctor’s stoppage. So, just three fights turned the journeyman into a huge draw, helping him get two simultaneous title shots against Kamaru Usman as well.

    Masvidal has been retired from MMA for over a year now, but he’s teased a definite return to the UFC. Daniel Cormier has already raised concerns regarding the potential of this comeback…

    Daniel Cormier Doubts Fans Care About Jorge Masvidal Coming Back To The UFC For Michael Chandler Fight After ‘Fairytale Retirement’

    Cormier recently discussed Masvidal’s decision to fight in the UFC again on his official YouTube channel. Right away, he remembered “Gamebred” retiring after the Gilbert Burns fight and called it one of the best retirements ever for a UFC fighter.

    Masvidal was in an arena filled with fans from his hometown and his promotion Gamebread Bareknuckle MMA was also rising simultaneously. According to the former UFC heavyweight champion, being surrounded by supporters during your last fight while also having a new venture to focus on right away is the best way to walk out of the sport.

    “So, last year in Miami, We watched Jorge Masvidal fight against Gilbert Burns. He loses by decision. He has, what is honestly guys, one of the greatest retirements you could ever ask for in this sport. You’re in a full arena, you’re in your hometown, you just lost to guy that is still competing at the top of the division. Walk away, you’re walking into Gamebred boxing, fighting, bare knuckle MMA, it’s called something like that. But, you’re walking into your own organization where you get to be the boss. You just had a fairytale retirement.”

    DC pointed out that there is no shame in losing your last MMA fight to a top contender like Burns. However, all these narratives could change if Masvidal returns to the Octagon. Also, do fans still care about him now that the welterweight division is stacked with new contenders like Ian Garry, Jack Della Maddalena, and Shavkat Rakhmonov?

    “Is star power enough? Because I can tell you this right now, if Nate Diaz was to say I’m coming back, people would get excited. Is Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal held in the same regard? I just don’t know where it’s coming from.”

    Cormier also appreciated Gamebread Bareknuckle MMA as the promotion has been able to sign big names and generate new talent. As a result, he’s more excited to see Masvidal grow his business instead of fighting at 39 years old in the UFC.

    “He’s 39 years old now, right? Best days would seem to be behind him. He’s lost four in a row. Can he recreate what he did before? And if he can, do we even care to jump on the ride? You guys let me know in those comments. In my regard, I believe with the work that he was doing outside of the Octagon, his promotion, seems to be doing well. I’m happy with seeing that man walk away.”

  • ‘Mokaev & Chandler Might Have To Share This One’ – Fans Debate Which UFC Fighter Has Taken The ‘Biggest L’ In 2024

    ‘Mokaev & Chandler Might Have To Share This One’ – Fans Debate Which UFC Fighter Has Taken The ‘Biggest L’ In 2024

    The UFC has long been a proving ground where legends are forged, but in this arena, triumph is fleeting for those who fail to time their moves and play their cards wisely.

    Some fighters ascend to their full potential, while others struggle to break through the barriers holding them back. It’s unfortunate to see those with the potential for success fall short of what they were meant to achieve, and what they could have ultimately become.

    Popular MMA fan account Dovy on X recently polled their followers on who they believe took the “biggest L” in the UFC this year. The question sparked a flurry of responses from the MMA community, with many pointing to figures like Michael Chandler and Muhammad Mokaev as major candidates for this dubious distinction.

    Chandler has been sidelined since his third-round submission defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022, eagerly awaiting the realization of a highly anticipated bout with Conor McGregor.

    Following that fight, “Iron” took on the role of coach opposite McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter 31, with the expectation that the two would clash sometime in 2023. Despite frequent speculation throughout the past year, the bout never materialized. It was eventually scheduled to headline UFC 303 this past June, but just over two weeks before the event, “The Notorious” withdrew due to an injury, leaving Chandler once again in limbo.

    Many contend that, at 38 years old, the former Bellator MMA lightweight champion might have taken another fight in the interim to remain active and maintain his momentum.

    In contrast, Mokaev’s situation is markedly different. “The Punisher” was released from the UFC last month, a decision attributed by UFC CEO Dana White to a string of off-the-Octagon complications that led the matchmakers to hesitate in offering him a new contract.

    Mokaev was riding an undefeated seven-fight streak in the Octagon and was widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in the flyweight division. With his dominant grappling-heavy style, he was seen as a potential future champion. But now, he’ll need to find a way back to rejoin the world’s premier MMA promotion.

    MMA Fans Debate Which UFC Fighter Experienced The Biggest Career Slide This Year

    Combat sports enthusiasts responded with a flurry of opinions on which UFC fighter experienced the most significant career downturn in 2024.

    “Chandler, and he hasn’t even fought, lol. He was promised a fight vs. McGregor this year, but it got canceled, and then Dana White said in press conferences that the McGregor vs. Chandler fight won’t be happening this year and that it will happen next year instead”

    “Clearly Mokaev lol”

    “Mokaev and Chandler might have to share this one”

    One fan proposed that the former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson deserves the nod, given he’s currently enduring an eight-fight losing streak.

    “The guy with the longest ‘L’ streak in UFC history!”

    Another fan humorously suggested that he should be deemed the recipient of the “biggest L” of the year due to his string of unsuccessful betting parlays.

    “Me on these UFC parlays”

    https://twitter.com/deeecreates/status/1828950061801451571

    “Michael Chandler 100%, it’s been 655 days since he fought”

    https://twitter.com/MMAAndyx/status/1828970606660116627

    One fan jokingly remarked that the real “biggest L” should go to the fellow fans who have had to endure the constant frustration of questionable decisions from UFC judges.

    “The fans via robbery decisions”

    One user commented that it should be former longtime middleweight champion Israel Adesanya after experiencing the first back-to-back losses of his career, with his most recent setback coming against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305.

    “Adesanya is having a rough year”

    “Michael Chandler, lol. Wasting years of his life for a McGregor fight that probably won’t ever happen.”
    https://twitter.com/VicConnects/status/1828962481424732169

    “Mike Mallot. Hype train Derailed in his home town by Neil Magny”

  • ‘Free From What? Rehab?’ – Fans React To Conor McGregor’s Cryptic ‘When I Get Free’ Message Amid UFC Return Uncertainty

    The Conor McGregor roller coaster ride continues, and now there appears to be more doubt (once again) that McGregor may not face Michael Chandler this year.

    In new posts on social media, McGregor showed off training footage. However, it came with a curious new hashtag: #FreeTheMac.

    McGregor followed this post up with a simple, four-word message: “When I get free.”

    This has caused great speculation that McGregor may be asking to be released from his UFC contract. The Irishman, whose frequently delayed fight with Chandler was most recently expected to take place at UFC 310 in Las Vegas this December, reportedly has two fights remaining on his current deal with MMA’s leading promotion.

    This also comes days after Belal Muhammad stated that Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman are both being considered as title challengers for a welterweight title fight that could take place at the December pay-per-view.

    The booking of a title fight may cause great concern about McGregor vs. Chandler at the event, as a title fight has not been featured under a McGregor bout since UFC 196 in 2016.

    Conor McGregor Saying He Wants Out Of UFC Contract?

    https://twitter.com/TheSyedHaq/status/1827419547327922282

    A little less than two weeks ago, UFC CEO Dana White told the media that McGregor would not fight in 2024. This caused the former two-division champion, in a now-deleted tweet, to encourage fans to tell White they want McGregor vs. Chandler to take place in December.

    The pair were set to fight after both men coached The Ultimate Fighter season 31 last year, but the rest of 2023 went without any announcement of a fight.

    Official confirmation finally came from White following UFC 300, with the two set to battle at UFC 303 in June. But a Dublin press conference earlier in that month was suddenly canceled the day before, and it later emerged that McGregor had suffered a toe injury and chose to withdraw from a fight for the first time in his career.

  • Dan Hooker Admits McGregor Callout Intended To ‘Snake’ Michael Chandler: ‘He Waits All That Time & Conor Fights Me Anyway…’

    Dan Hooker Admits McGregor Callout Intended To ‘Snake’ Michael Chandler: ‘He Waits All That Time & Conor Fights Me Anyway…’

    Dan Hooker delivered one of the stand out performances at UFC 305 to ascend up the lightweight division by beating Mateusz Gamrot.

    It’s been some time since “The Hangman” was in the mix at the top of the 155-pound weight class but that is certainly the case after he pulled off the underdog win over one of the top contenders.

    In his post-fight interview following the Fight of the Night clash, Hooker spoke about the number of exciting options that he now wants to chase down after this win.

    Part of his declaration to the matchmakers sitting cage side included Conor McGregor, which took some by surprise.

    “Look at me now! I want them all brother! I want the BMF, I want Conor McGregor, I want a title eliminator, I want everything brother! I want it all Sean, I want it all Hunter!”

    Dan Hooker Explains “Troll” Motivation Behind Conor McGregor Call Out

    In a post-fight interview with TheMacLife, Hooker explained why he chose to mention McGregor’s name inside the Octagon after getting his hand raised.

    Of course, McGregor is still the biggest fight out there across the entire sport, let alone the lightweight division, which means he often gets called out and has done for nearly a decade.

    Hooker’s call to namedrop “The Notorious” wasn’t necessarily financially motivated, though that is a huge incentive for trying to get this fight.

    He said that this decision was made more because he thinks it would be hilarious to get this fight instead of McGregor being welcomed back to the UFC by Michael Chandler, which fans have waited so long to see at this point.

    Hooker was defeated by Chandler back when “Iron” Mike made his UFC debut in 2021 so taking the biggest fight of his career away from him would be sweet revenge.

    “I didn’t necessarily call him out, I just said like, because I am absolute troll, so it’s like the biggest troll move you could do of all time is to snake that fight off Chandler. Like he waits all that time and then Conor just fights me anyway, like that would be gold. I would feel like the biggest snake troll of all time.”

    Read also: Darren Till Bemoans Negative Reaction To His UFC 305 Advice For Israel Adesanya: ‘You Just Have To Love The Internet’