Michael Chandler is unequivocally the most electrifying active lightweight in the UFC. Since his arrival in 2020, Chandler has been involved in multiple barn burners against the distinctive lightweight contenders in the promotion today.
Although his record doesn’t indicate, Michael Chandler is box office. In spite of sustaining defeats against Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier, unsurprisingly his stock has only gone up.
While there is no doubt that ‘Iron Mike’ is a legitimate contender in a talent-packed 155lbs division, the fact remains the losses he has suffered have compelled him to take a step back for the time being.
As such the former Bellator lightweight champion has once again called his shot. Vying for a contest against UFC megastar, Conor McGregor.
Although initial statements by UFC President Dana White indicated that the promotion was leaning towards that route, White has since made clear his comments.
Dana White clears the air!
While speaking to the media this past weekend, White was questioned regarding his statement on a potential bout between the two most entertaining lightweights. Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.
Dana White was in conversation with Brett Okamoto when the latter questioned the UFC boss about McGregor’s timeline for a return. White responded stating that he would make it public once he receives the confirmation himself.
However, he did point out that the prospect of a contest between the ‘Notorious’ one and Michael Chandler does pique his interest. The MMA community, however, mistook his words for actual confirmation of the bout.
Speaking to the media following the weekend’s events, White cleared the air about the misinterpretation of his comment.
Dana White said:
“I never said that ever fu**ing once. This is what happens when you do interviews and people listen to your interviews. He said ‘So if Conor McGregor came back right now, who would you be looking at as an opponent? I said, ‘Well if he did, if that happened and that scenario played out right now, Chandler would be a fun fight.’ Never fu**ing once did I say we’re doing Conor McGregor vs Chandler. I don’t even know when Conor McGregor is coming back.”
I guess we can put all talks of a potential matchup between the pair to bed. For now!
Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler
In the absence of former Lightweight world champion, Conor McGregor, Chandler has assumed the responsibility of putting on a show for his supporters. With McGregor being a high-profile entertainer himself, the encounter has ‘Fight of the Year’ written all over it.
However, due to the uncertainty surrounding the Irishman’s return, it would be prudent for Chandler to perhaps eye another victory, considering he was defeated in his previous endeavor.
A Conor McGregor-Michael Chandler contest will always gross the interest of fight fans worldwide, so the American has nothing to worry about. Rest assured, prior to his departure from the UFC, ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler will have his wish!
