Michael Chandler chooses between title or Conor McGregor fight if he beats Charles Oliveira at UFC 309: “Craziest four or five-fight run”
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler were expected to fight for nearly 18 months, before delays became too much to bare for the American. He will now be facing Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 on Nov. 16, and 'Iron' recently discussed whether a fight with the Irishman could prevail post-Oliveira.
Their UFC 309 clash has been dubbed a title eliminator, with the winner of Oliveira vs. Chandler expected to face the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan - the rumored next lightweight title fight.
Ahead of his clash with 'do Bronx', the American was interviewed by Shakiel Mahjouri. He asked the 38-year old if he would look to fight McGregor after beating Oliveira, or pursue a coveted lightweight title shot instead.
He said:
"The title was the number one goal, but there is some unfinished business. Chandler vs. McGregor, [The Ultimate Fighter 31], that chapter needs to close at some point. Conor wants that fight."
'Iron' continued:
"Islam is fighting probably in January... He's gonna go into Ramadan in February, all of March, won't be able to go into training camp until April. Won't be able to fight until June/July. I'm not trying to wait till June or July so Conor could sneak in there. We could see Chandler vs. Oliveira, Chandler vs. Conor, Chandler vs. Islam, Chandler vs. Max [Holloway]. The craziest four or five-fight run in a 12-month period that anyone's ever seen."
Check out Michael Chandler's comments on facing Conor McGregor below (6:25):
Michael Chandler gets candid about canceled Conor McGregor fight
Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor featured as respective coaches for season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, which aired from in 2023. After the season finale, the two coaches were expected to clash in octagon.
But numerous delays pushed a potential fight date back further and further, until the pair were announced as the UFC 303 main event. But several weeks before fight night, McGregor withdrew due to a broken toe, and Chandler is now facing Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
During a recent interview with Bo Nickal, 'Iron' admitted the canceled clash with 'The Notorious' affected him more than he let on. He said:
"I’m not going to say it didn’t hit me hard, because it did, especially with the waiting leading up to it. But you just have to roll with it. If something bad happens and a good thing comes from it."
Check out Michael Chandler's comments on Conor McGregor fight below (3:05):