For 2 years, Michael Chandler waited on the sidelines hoping to safe a battle with former two-division champion Conor McGregor. “Iron” continues to be keen to face the Irishman in McGregor’s octagon return however placed on expiration date on when he’ll transfer on from searching for the matchup.
“If Conor doesn’t come again within the first half of 2025, I will probably be preventing another person,” Chandler lately instructed Fortunate Block. “There are different fights I’m considering. I didn’t battle for 2 years however that wasn’t all ready. I needed to take a while and provides my physique a break after my first 5 fights within the promotion which included a title battle, and battle of the nights, and the battle of the 12 months.
“My physique wanted a little bit little bit of a break and I used to be glad to. A part of me was hanging onto this Conor factor but additionally type of a little bit little bit of gamesmanship, having fun with the day without work, letting my physique heal up a little bit bit.”
McGregor and Chandler coached The Final Fighter 31 as opposing coaches. The filming started in Feb. 2023. The season aired from Might to August that 12 months. The 2 had been anticipated to battle following the season however McGregor’s media obligations to advertise the film remake of ‘Street Home’ pushed the battle date again. The 2 had been scheduled to headline UFC 303 final June however McGregor was pressured out of the match resulting from a toe harm.
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Accomplished with ready on McGregor, Chandler accepted a short-notice rematch in opposition to former champion Charles Oliveira. The 2 first fought at UFC 262 in Might 2021 for the then-vacant title. Chandler almost completed Oliveira within the opening spherical however fell sufferer to a TKO loss early within the second body. Within the rematch at UFC 309 in November, Oliveira decisively defeated Chandler through unanimous choice.
“I perceive the implications (of making an attempt to e book a battle with McGregor). I perceive that it’s not identical to reserving one other battle, and I’m right here for the trip,” Chandler mentioned. “If it really works out, it really works out. If it doesn’t, my legacy will not be tied to Conor. My legacy will not be tied with preventing Conor, and I’ve nonetheless acquired a number of tread left on the tires and a number of massive fights to return.”
