Michael Chandler confirms his stance on Conor McGregor fight amid uncertainty, Chael Sonnen gives one-word reaction
Michael Chandler recently reaffirmed his position on the Conor McGregor fight. However, this sparked a reaction from UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen.
The highly anticipated fight between Chandler and McGregor at UFC 303 was called off after the Irishman withdrew himself due to a fractured toe. UFC CEO Dana White has stated that he will not consider rescheduling the date until McGregor is fully recovered. This has sparked discussion in the MMA community over whether the fight will still happen this year.
Chandler has continued to mock the former two-division champion as they look for a new date for their fight. However, in a recent post on X, the American said that he has chosen to wait for the McGregor fight, writing:
''Hey @TheNotoriousMMA…I know you have tried to wait me out…I’m not going anywhere. Man of my word. I don’t waiver.''
This earned a one-word reaction from Sonnen, who wrote:
''Oustanding.''
During an interview with ESPN MMA, McGregor reassured the mixed martial arts community that he would return to the UFC this year. He also mentioned how happy he was to be fighting for the first time in three years.
''My comeback is scheduled for the year, sometime the end of this year, closing out the show. So, I was close to returning, we had an incident and had a postponement had to happen and, you know, it is what it is. We take it on the chin, we rock on. The fight is rescheduled for the end of this calendar year, so I'm excited about that and eager to get back."
Check out Conor McGregor's comments below:
The feud between McGregor and Chandler dates back to their time as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31. The bout has been postponed several times, most recently owing to McGregor's injuries.
Chael Sonnen feels Michael Chandler's popularity has increased despite years without fighting
Michael Chandler hasn't competed for two years as he waits for the Conor McGregor fight. However, Chael Sonnen believes Chandler's value has only increased despite the inactivity.
In an episode of the Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast, Sonnen discussed the circumstances and expressed his opinion that Chandler had not mishandled his own career. He said:
''Michael Chandler, I believe, is a top five draw right now...All this media, all this attention, the things that are dangling, you and I discussing him, I think he's actually gone up. I think he got what he wanted without having to throw a punch."
Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (18:50):