Chandler Will Wait For The McGregor Fight – ‘Don’t You Dare Disrespect Me’
Michael Chandler will continue to wait for the Conor McGregor fight.
That is according to Dana White. Their UFC 303 clash was canceled after McGregor withdrew with an injury. The Irishman has not had a UFC fight since losing and breaking his leg to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Their rivalry was built during the TUF 31 series, with Chandler holding out for the fight. Chandler has not fought since his loss to Poirier at UFC 281 in 2022.
He elected to wait for the McGregor fight rather than taking bouts in between. The reasoning was that losses could have prevented him from getting the McGregor fight. However, by remaining inactive, he risks harming his career. There is no guarantee that McGregor will return. UFC fighters have shown they are not the same when returning from serious leg injuries. Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva have shown that. However, the instruction from Chandler appears to be to wait for McGregor.
White Reacts
“Chandler, I think poor Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor man. You know, whatever he wants to do [we’ll do]. If he wants to get a fight this summer, we’ll do whatever he wants. He’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve worked with and he’s a good human being. I like him a lot. Whatever he wants to do, we’ll figure out for him. He really is [a good dude.],” White said
Unlike McGregor, Chandler needs the fight more. The Notorious has already established his legacy in the sport. He is a two-division champion who is instrumental in making the UFC the biggest MMA brand. McGregor has the PPV record for his fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Irishman also has plenty of things outside the UFC to keep himself occupied, as his income is not dependent on his fighting career.
McGregor made his acting debut in Road House, getting the highest amount for a debut actor at $5 million. He also became a part-owner in BKFC, which will only grow with his presence. McGregor could even fight in BKFC after the UFC since he has boxing experience. At the same, further boxing fights are also possible. Chandler, on the other hand, is in a different position.
Chandler Responds
He has three losses in his last UFC four bouts, including a loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 for the lightweight belt in 2021. Chandler is also 38 years old, and his continued inactivity has damaged the amount of money he could have earned. Although Chandler has remained in positive spirits, there may be a time when he has to accept the fight will not happen. The fight could take place in September at The Sphere in Las Vegas. But with no guarantees, Chandler is taking a risk despite his optimism.
“Don’t you dare disrespect me by feeling sorry for me. Don’t you dare disrespect me by having any kind of sympathy. Be emboldened by my situation. Be emboldened by my steadfastness and my immovability, of hitching my dreams to a shooting star and continuing to move forward. If you’ve been on this journey with me for a long time, you know how I operate. You know where my mindset is, where my mental is. And it is nowhere near down in the dumps. I am emboldened by this test, and this test ain’t done yet,” Chandler stated
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