Chandler Doubts McGregor’s UFC Return – ‘I’d Give It A Slim Chance’
Michael Chandler has questioned whether Conor McGregor will return to the UFC.
Chandler has been chasing the McGregor fight for some time. He was meant to face the Irishman at UFC 303 last year. The fight broke down after McGregor withdrew from the bout with a broken toe. The news meant that he has not been in the octagon since his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier.
That was his third defeat out of his last four fights, meaning he is not the fighter he used to be. McGregor had hopes of facing Dan Hooker on February 1. However, the fight never happened. The Notorious also had plans on fighting in BKFC. But given that he still has two fights left on his UFC deal, the Irishman cannot make a fight unless the UFC consents. Chandler does not see things getting any better.
Chandler On McGregor
“In my heart of hearts, yes [he comes back]. Because I think he wants to fight. He doesn’t want to finish his fighting legacy the way he has done it. His last fight was breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier and then touting the greatest comeback in combat sports history and then doing The Ultimate Fighter and then signing to fight me and then pulling out with another injury. That’s my heart of hearts. Now my mind, if you’re a betting man does Conor come back? No. I’d give it a slim chance,” Chandler said
Chandler had been chasing the McGregor fight ever since their days as rival coaches on the TUF 31 series. But since then, he has moved on with his career. He faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in their rematch. However, he came up short as he lost a unanimous decision. Chandler is also scheduled to face Paddy Pimblett in his next. A win takes him closer to a title shot against Islam Makhachev. That would put McGregor lower down the pecking order. Chandler only has two wins from six UFC fights, meaning he has every reason to further his career rather than waiting for McGregor.
Chandler Reacts
“Will I wait for it? No, I’m moving on and I am fighting and I’m getting after it, I’m going to stay active. You’ve got to remind people sometimes, I signed with the UFC, and within a matter of 28 months, I fought five times. Fought for the world title, fought Fight of the Night, Fight of the Year, another candidate for Fight of the Year, I was very active.
“I was the type of guy who fought in the Bellator tournament, fought six fights in 13 months. I’ve been extremely active my entire career. I’ve bet money on the wrong horse for a little while, now I’m betting on myself, continuing to bet on myself. Took the opportunity against Charles Oliveira, fell short. Now I’m betting on myself again to go out there and fight Paddy Pimblett in April and stay active this year,” Chandler stated
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