Michael Chandler is in a very unique situation.
The former three-time Bellator Lightweight champion, Chandler, has been sidelined since November 2022. However, that’s not due to injury, but the patience towards a promised match up against Conor McGregor.
Chandler, 38, was supposed to finally collide with the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight and Lightweight titlist at UFC 303 this past weekend (June 29, 2024). Unfortunately, a broken pinky toe led to “The Notorious’” withdrawal from the bout, making it the first time to pull out of a scheduled mixed martial arts (MMA) fight for the Irishman. Chandler now claims he’s been offered a UFC Lightweight title shot against the champion, Islam Makhachev, as a presumed consolation for his patience.
Instead of just flat-out moving on for the rare opportunity, “Iron” refuses to fully drop the prospect of his McGregor “red panty night.”
“I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pinky toe is ready by Sept, let’s do sphere,” Chandler tweeted. “Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!! @RiyadhSeason #ufc306
“Good old fashioned passionate American @MizzouWrestling beats sambo all day. @MAKHACHEVMMA,” he added.
The last time Chandler fought he lost by third round rear-naked choke against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 (watch highlights). The loss made him 1-3 in his last four (23-8 overall). Poirier, coincidentally, was the most recent to challenge Makhachev, falling short in round five when Makhachev locked in a tight d’arce choke (watch highlights).
Makhachev and Poirier briefly bantered today (Mon., July 1, 2024) when the latter teased his interest in a rematch if needed because of No. 1-ranked contender, Arman Tsarukyan’s, recent suspension. Said suspension would be the only logical roadblock for the top contender being the next challenger for Makhachev.