Michael Chandler is itching for a brawl.
The fighter, originally slated to go toe-to-toe with Conor McGregor at UFC 303, found himself in a holding pattern after McGregor pulled out due to a broken toe. While many in the MMA world advised Chandler to move on, he’s not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Taking to social media, Chandler made it clear he’s still eyeing a showdown with McGregor at The Sphere in Las Vegas come September. If that doesn’t pan out, he’s been offered a shot at the title against Islam Makhachev in October.
I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pinky toe is ready by Sept, let’s do sphere. Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!! @RiyadhSeason #ufc306 pic.twitter.com/STUUFns2Hp
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) July 2, 2024
“I’ve been offered [Islam Makhachev] in October — but if [Conor McGregor’s] little pinky toe is ready by September, let’s do [The Sphere],” Chandler tweeted, adding with typical fighter bravado, “Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!”
Chandler’s bold challenge didn’t go unanswered. Makhachev fired back, dismissing Chandler as unreliable and insinuating he’d bolt at McGregor’s beck and call. “You are unreliable dude, one tweet from your master, and you’ll run away,” Makhachev retorted. “Champ needs real opponent.”
Given Chandler’s last bout in November 2022 ended in a submission loss to Poirier, a title fight seems premature, especially with rising contenders like Armen Tsurukyan and Mateusz Gamrot securing impressive wins over former champions recently.
Amidst the banter and social media drama, Chandler remains determined to secure his next fight, aiming for the big stage and another shot at the spotlight.
