Chandler Offered The Makhachev Fight; Is The McGregor Fight Off?
Michael Chandler has said he has been offered a fight against UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev.
The news comes after his fight with Conor McGregor for UFC 303 was called off. The Irishman broke his toe, leaving Chandler waiting for his first fight since 2022. That is when Chandler lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281. Chandler has since then chosen to remain inactive as he waited for McGregor. But at 38 years old, he cannot afford to miss his best years.
Now, he has been offered Makhachev. If Chandler wins the fight, he can win a world title. He would be the huge underdog, but it is still a mega fight. However, a loss could end his hopes of facing McGregor since the fight would not sell. The initial live gate for the event was over $20 million, a new UFC record. Meanwhile, tickets for the McGregor-Chandler presser were sold out in just nine minutes.
Now, Chandler could take on Islam.
Chandler On Islam
“I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA (Islam Makhachev) in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA (Conor McGregor’s) little pinky toe is ready by Sept, let’s do sphere. Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!!,” Chandler
At the same time, Chandler confirmed that a new date is pending for the McGregor fight. But either way, he will have to make a decision. Poirier has also requested to fight with Islam. Dustin lost to Islam at UFC 301 in a fifth-round submission. The fight was being touted as Poirier’s possible retirement fight. He has fallen short on winning a belt on so many occasions.
Losses to Charles Oliveira (UFC 269) in 2021 and Khabib Nurmagomedov at (UFC 242) in 2019 came at the expense of the lightweight title. Dustin was also knocked out against Justin Gaethje at UFC 291, missing out on the chance to become the BMF Champion. Dustin was pondering whether he would retire after the loss against Islam. At 35, he is unlikely to get too many other title shots. Thus, the UFC fighter must consider whether it is worth fighting in a non-title fight. Not only are belts on the line, but he will earn much less. In the post-fight presser, Dustin had this to say.
Poirier On Islam
“I’m leaning towards being done. Especially with getting the title fight, how many more times would I need to fight to put myself back in that position to fight for the world title? I don’t know. I’m not gonna do it again, I’m not gonna fight five more times trying to earn another title shot. I’m in a weird spot, and I don’t know how to explain it or what decision I’ll make, but I’m taking it day by day and seeing what comes with my mind changing and just to see how I feel,” Poirier said
But now, it seems he wants one more shot.
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