Tag: Conor McGregor

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 […]

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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.

Continue Reading Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor’s Spirit Loves MMA, Not His Body Or Mind at MMA News.

Video: Michael Chandler Has No ‘Ill Will’ Towards Conor McGregor over UFC Fight Delay

Michael Chandler made it clear Thursday that he isn’t pointing the finger at Conor McGregor over the fact that their fight originally scheduled for UFC 303 in…

Michael Chandler made it clear Thursday that he isn’t pointing the finger at Conor McGregor over the fact that their fight originally scheduled for UFC 303 in…

Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback still goes through Michael Chandler, says former contender: ‘It has to happen’

Conor McGregor's UFC comeback still goes through Michael Chandler, says former contender: 'It has to happen'Despite booking his return from a two-year hiatus from fighting before the end of the year in a rematch…

Conor McGregor's UFC comeback still goes through Michael Chandler, says former contender: 'It has to happen'

Despite booking his return from a two-year hiatus from fighting before the end of the year in a rematch against former undisputed lightweight kingpin, Charles Oliveira, UFC star, Michael Chandler “has” to welcome arch-rival, Conor McGregor back to the Octagon according to the High Ridge veteran.

Chandler, who still holds the number six rank in the official lightweight ranks, booked his two-year hiatus-snapping return to action over the course of last weekend, slated to co-headline UFC 309 in a five round rematch against Sao Paulo finishing ace, Oliveira.

Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler
Image via: Getty

Sidelined since a 2022 submission loss to former interim lightweight titleholder, Dustin Poirier, Chandler was set to headline UFC 303 earlier this summer during International Fight Week against McGregor, until a fractured toe ruled the Dubliner from a welterweight return to action.

Michael Chandler determined to face-off with Conor McGregor in his return to the UFC

And despite booking a different bout as he continues to wait for a date to meet the former two-division, Chandler himself insists he will still be waiting for McGregor’s eventual return to action — and wants to face off with him still.

Michael Chandler reveals dream fights: Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje if Conor McGregor clash is off

“I’m still going to be thinking about Conor McGregor,” Michael Chandler told assembled media during Noche UFC. “As I asserted at the very beginning, Conor McGregor’s still not off the hook.”

Conor McGregor’s road back to the UFC still goes through Nashville, Tennessee and Michael Chandler,” He continued. “We must finish TUF 31. It has to happen. We’re at the same weight class. It was too long of a build-up for it not to happen.”

Dana White reveals Michael Chandler was 'Done waiting' for fight with Conor McGregor amid UFC 309 clash

Facing off with the above-mentioned Oliveira in his sophomore Octagon appearance back in 2021, Chandler would suffer a second round KO loss to the Sao Paulo finisher in the early goings of the round, with the former rallying to win the vacant lightweight championship.

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 […]

Continue Reading Michael Chandler Explains Why He Won’t Call Failed Wait For Conor McGregor ‘Wasted Time’ at MMA News.

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.

Continue Reading Michael Chandler Explains Why He Won’t Call Failed Wait For Conor McGregor ‘Wasted Time’ at MMA News.

Former Opponent Uses McGregor Fight To Highlight O’Malley’s Tactical Error Versus Dvalishvili

Marlon Vera recently drew parallels to one of Conor McGregor’s fights to highlight the strategic missteps Sean O’Malley made in his bout against Merab Dvalishvili. “Suga’s” reign as champion came to a close last weekend in the main event of Noche UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, where he endured a unanimous decision […]

Continue Reading Former Opponent Uses McGregor Fight To Highlight O’Malley’s Tactical Error Versus Dvalishvili at MMA News.

Marlon Vera recently drew parallels to one of Conor McGregor’s fights to highlight the strategic missteps Sean O’Malley made in his bout against Merab Dvalishvili.

“Suga’s” reign as champion came to a close last weekend in the main event of Noche UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, where he endured a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Dvalishvili.

O’Malley struggled to find his rhythm throughout the fight as Dvalishvili stormed in, guns blazing, unleashing an unyielding assault of takedowns. The defending champion had no answers for the onslaught and ultimately fell short, losing the bout.

O’Malley initially seemed reluctant to let his strikes fly during the fight, possibly due to “The Machine’s” dominance in chain wrestling and calculated approach, which suffocated the American’s ability to find his footing.

Interestingly, “Chito,” who has shared the Octagon with O’Malley twice, echoed similar sentiments regarding the defending champion’s performance…

Vera Believes O’Malley Missed Early Striking Opportunity To Counter Dvalishvili’s Gameplan

During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Vera shared his thoughts on the title bout between O’Malley and Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 306. The former title challenger suggested that if “Suga” had landed some early shots on a fresh Dvalishvili, the outcome could have swung in his favor.

Vera pointed out that Dvalishvili has been rocked before, referencing his previous knockdowns at the hands of Henry Cejudo and Marlon Moraes.

“he main event, it was a guy that I just fought two fights ago against Merab,” Vera said. “That was a great fight. I mean, I really thought if Sean could have hit Merab early in the fight, things could change, based on him being dropped by Cejudo and Marlon Moraes, but he just couldn’t land. Merab has that kind of jerky move like it’s hard to hit him in a way you can snipe this guy. You almost have to fight him.”

“Chito” went on to compare O’Malley’s tactical blunder to Conor McGregor’s second-round TKO victory over Chad Mendes at UFC 189 in July 2015. Vera highlighted that every time “The Notorious” broke free from Mendes’ takedowns, he immediately closed the distance and applied pressure. In contrast, O’Malley did the opposite against “The Machine”, allowing Dvalishvili to dictate the fight.

“I would say the one thing, comparing the fight to Chad Mendes and Conor, is that every time Conor got up, he would crawl right away, like he would be in his face immediately. Every time Sean got up, there was a little separation, so that probably messed with his rhythm. And Merab, we all know, can just take you down over and over. So I think, in my opinion, you just have to sit down and fight him. He’s going to take you down regardless, so you might as well just go crazy on him. But overall, great fight. Congratulations to the new champion.”

O’Malley captured the bantamweight title against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023. He went on to defend his belt in impressive style against Vera at UFC 299 this past March, where he avenged the sole setback on his Octagon record.

Following his recent defeat, the 29-year-old Montana native shared that he has no plans to step back into the Octagon anytime soon, hinting at a potential return around mid-2025.

Continue Reading Former Opponent Uses McGregor Fight To Highlight O’Malley’s Tactical Error Versus Dvalishvili at MMA News.

Michael Chandler mocks Conor McGregor after booking new fight for UFC 309: ‘You’re out of the loop’

Michael Chandler mocks Conor McGregor after booking new fight for UFC 309: 'You're out of the loop'Booking a two-year hiatus-snapping return to action later this year following a failed grudge fight with Conor McGregor, Michael…

Michael Chandler mocks Conor McGregor after booking new fight for UFC 309: 'You're out of the loop'

Booking a two-year hiatus-snapping return to action later this year following a failed grudge fight with Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler has claimed the Dubliner is now “out of the loop” after booking a rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November.

Chandler, who retains the number six rank at the lightweight limit, will be sidelined for two years when he returns at UFC 309 later this annum, most recently suffering a third round rear-naked choke submission loss to former interim champion, Dustin Poirier.

Charles Oliveira set to fight Michael Chandler in five round rematch at UFC 309

And missing out on a grudge fight with former two-weight titleholder, McGregor since the duo featured as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31 last year, Michael Chandler has now booked a five round rematch clash with the above-mentioned former champion, Oliveira at UFC 309 in New York later this annum.

Stressing his own desire to make his return as soon as possible amid links to a 2025 comeback, McGregor even vowed to fight in the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) overnight — urging the UFC to offer him an “exemption” to compete in the ring.

Conor McGregor confirms he will fight Michael Chandler at the end of the year UFC

“I’ve got two fights left on my UFC contract,” Conor McGregor told assembled media after BKFC 66. “My opponent that I was scheduled to fight has rescheduled another bout. I would love maybe an exemption, or maybe a joint partnership, Bare Knuckle-UFC, similar to McGregor Sports and Entertainment and Mayweather Promotions. Some sort of agreement where we can get busy. I need to be busy and right now, I’m working to get there. So let’s see what happens.”

Like I said, I’ve got two fights left on the contract and it’s taking a minute,” Conor McGregor explained. “But patience is one of the most important skills a human being can possess, study, learn, and implement, and that’s where I’m at right now.”

Michael Chandler pokes fun at Conor McGregor amid UFC 309 booking

And responding to the Crumlin counter striker’s comments at the BKFC 66 post-fight press conference, Chandler appeared to offer an apology — albeit in a rather tongue-in-cheek fashion.

chandler ufc 274

“Carry on doing what you’re doing” – sorry you’re out of the loop @TheNotoriousMMA,” Michael Chandler posted at Conor McGregor on his official X account.