UFC legend sees Michael Chandler's stock rising, despite losses and years without fighting: "Got what he wanted without having to throw a punch"
Michael Chandler isn't wasting his twilight years, at least according to three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen, who recently spoke about the direction 'Iron's' career is taking. Many have criticized the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion for his insistence on fighting Conor McGregor.
The commitment to facing the Irishman has led to Chandler spending two years on the sidelines. The longer he waits, the more he braves calls for him to accept other bouts, as his inactivity continues to lengthen. Sonnen, however, feels differently, and believes that Chandler's worth has only heightened.
Speaking to ESPN MMA, Sonnen shared his thoughts on the situation, and he opined that Chandler has not, in fact, mismanaged his own career.
"In all fairness, we're all chomping at the bit to see Michael Chandler. I don't believe Chandler won his last fight, I thought it was against [Dustin] Poirier, and he lost. I could have that wrong and it was Tony Ferguson, but what I'm trying to suggest for you is it doesn't really matter. Michael Chandler, I believe, is a top five draw right now."
Moreover, Sonnen commended Chandler for forging himself into a star, despite not having fought in the last two years and having a subpar UFC career, which includes losses to Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira.
"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 point about Michael Chandler (18:29):
Chandler continues to hold out for a McGregor bout, despite the sudden cancellation of his scheduled UFC 303 clash with the Irishman due to the latter's toe injury.
Michael Chandler claims a moral victory over Conor McGregor
Just a few days ago, Michael Chandler was asked, on X/Twitter, by a fan, what his strategy for Conor McGregor was. 'Iron' responded by claiming that he prides himself on supposedly retiring McGregor without ever facing him in the cage.
"Instill fear...let him pull out of the fight and embarass himself, be known as the guy who retired McGregor without ever throwing a punch...."
It is a peculiar statement, given how long Chandler has waited to face McGregor for the massive payday. To describe not fighting him at all as a moral victory doesn't make much sense, least of all with all the effort Chandler has exerted in trying to coax the Irishman into the octagon with him.