In the ever-evolving landscape of UFC matchups, the prospect of a showdown between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has been teased since way back to the start of 2023. With both fighters potentially heading towards the end of their career, the potential clash promises to be a spectacle for the ages, igniting fervent discussions and fervor among fans worldwide.
The genesis of this tantalizing matchup can be traced back to early 2023, when Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor squared off as coaches on ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31.’ During this time, rumors began swirling about a possible return to the Octagon for McGregor, with Michael Chandler emerging as a potential opponent, a typical conclusion for Coaches to square off and fight after coaching a season opposite on another.
Fueling the speculation, McGregor himself expressed his desire to face Chandler during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week on June 29. However, UFC CEO Dana White remained tight-lipped on the matter, leaving fans eager for confirmation.
Enter Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, who offered a unique perspective on the potential matchup. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Makhachev shared his thoughts on Chandler’s pursuit of a fight with McGregor, suggesting that Chandler should focus on securing a loss in his next bout before entertaining the idea of facing the Irishman.
According to Makhachev the plan should be as follows:
“You know, honestly, I hope the fight happens, but in this situation, Chandler looks very bad. For how many years has he been waiting for this fight? Every night, he goes to bed and has a dream, ‘I will fight Conor McGregor.’ Man, you’re not young, you have a chance to fight someone, make money, and then after, you can fight with Conor. He had already lost his last fight… Lose one more time and make money.”
“Maybe if you lose again, Conor will see his fight, and he will think, ‘Oh okay, I can beat this guy.’ It’s a good fight for the fans but for the division it means nothing.”
Strong words but not surprising from a longtime friend, training partner and former foe of Conor McGregor’s, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the matchup, the potential clash between McGregor and Chandler has captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. Both fighters possess explosive striking abilities and a penchant for finishing fights, setting the stage for a high-octane encounter inside the Octagon.
For McGregor, a victory over Chandler would bolster his already impressive legacy, demonstrating his versatility across weight classes and solidifying his status as a multi-division contender. Conversely, a win for Chandler would elevate his career trajectory and establish him as a top lightweight contender in the UFC and also secure the biggest ‘red panty’ night of his career.
The anticipation surrounding McGregor’s return and Chandler’s ascent has generated buzz and excitement among fans, reigniting discussions about potential matchups and future contenders in the lightweight division. As the MMA world eagerly awaits confirmation of the matchup, one thing is certain: the McGregor-Chandler showdown promises to be an unforgettable spectacle that will captivate audiences around the globe.
All that’s left is for the fight to happen.
