Renowned UFC fighter Michael Chandler has disclosed that he has received an offer to participate in a bout against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev scheduled for this coming October. However, Chandler is presently inclined towards prioritising a September match-up with Conor McGregor, on the condition that the Irish fighter has adequately recuperated from his recent injury.
Chandler, a 38-year-old American, was initially set to encounter McGregor at UFC 303, but the highly-anticipated showdown had to be cancelled after McGregor sustained a broken toe. Undeterred by the setback, Chandler has issued a challenge to McGregor for a rescheduled fight at Noche UFC on 14th September at the Sphere in Las Vegas. “I’ve been offered Islam Makhachev in October – but if Conor McGregor’s little pinky toe is ready by September, let’s do Sphere,” Chandler stated.
Determined to secure a matchup with McGregor, Chandler is focusing on making the forthcoming fight a momentous event. “Biggest sporting event in the history of sports!” he exclaimed, reflecting the excitement and anticipation surrounding the potential showdown with McGregor.
Despite McGregor’s assurance of a swift return to the octagon, UFC president Dana White has expressed uncertainty about the Irish fighter’s timeline for recovery and comeback. Following his injury, McGregor shared that he was enduring “deep mental pain” as he watched UFC 303 unfold without his participation, particularly Alex Pereira’s successful defence of his light-heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka.
Having not competed since his defeat by Dustin Poirier in November 2022, Chandler is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to face McGregor in the ring. A potential bout with Makhachev would also mark Chandler’s second shot at a UFC title, subsequent to his loss to Charles Oliveira in 2021.
Meanwhile, Makhachev, a 32-year-old Russian fighter, recently defended his belt against Poirier. As for the lightweight division’s top contender, Arman Tsarukyan is presently serving a nine-month suspension following an altercation with a fan.
As the anticipation for Chandler’s next bout continues to build, fans of the UFC eagerly await further developments in the sport’s top-tier competitions. With possible showdowns against both McGregor and Makhachev on the horizon, Chandler is poised to make a significant impact in the octagon.