McGregor Reacts After Chandler Agrees To Fight Oliveira – ‘Maybe We Can Still Do It’

Conor McGregor has been left frustrated after the news that Michael Chandler will rematch Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
McGregor was expected to fight Chandler next, having agreed on a June 29 date for UFC 303. But the Irishman suffered a broken toe, which prevented the fight from going ahead. The news meant fans had not seen McGregor fight since his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. Dana White confirmed that McGregor would return early next year, leaving question marks over Chandler’s future. Chandler has not had a fight since Poirier defeated him at UFC 281 in 2022.
The 38-year-old has only had five UFC fights, as continued inactivity is harming his earning potential and career. Chandler previously stated that he had been offered a UFC Lightweight Title fight against Islam Makhachev. That fight never happened, as Oliveira got the nod. Oliveira defeated Chandler in their 2021 clash at UFC 262 as he missed out on the lightweight title. The news left McGregor frustrated, but he still remained hopeful that a fight could happen. Either way, McGregor wanted to remain active as he spoke at a BKFC 66 presser.
McGregor Reacts
“As far as Chandler rematching Oliveira, I’m happy with the date. It’s November. Maybe we can still do it after, if they’re not going to line me up until December, maybe January or February, one of these dates. Maybe we can still do it. I’ve two fights left on my UFC contract.
“My opponent that I was scheduled to fight has rescheduled another bout. I would love maybe an exemption, or maybe a joint partnership, Bare Knuckle-UFC, similar to McGregor Sports and Entertainment and Mayweather Promotions. Some sort of agreement where we can get busy. I need to be busy and right now I’m working to get there. So let’s see what happens,” McGregor said
Chandler Responds
Chandler addressed his decision to face Oliveira, stating that it takes him a step closer to getting a lightweight title shot. A win over Oliveira puts Chandler in a leading position to face Makhachev, who is expected to fight Arman Tsarukyan next. Chandler has been chasing the McGregor fight since their rivalry on the TUF 31 series.
The McGregor fight could still present itself later down the line, as Chandler did not rule it. Further activity gives him a better chance of beating McGregor, but there is a chance he comes up short. A one-sided defeat may reduce the demand for fans to see that fight. However, Chandler was clear that his legacy did not depend on McGregor as he was keen on forging his path.
“I beat Charles Oliveira, I become the No. 1 contender. I beat Charles Oliveira, I can choose to go fight Islam or Arman. I believe it’s going to be Islam. Or, if Conor can finally get his house in order and put together a training camp, and show up to a fight, maybe I go fight Conor and we finish The Ultimate Fighter 31. This is the ultimate bet on yourself…I still have [the McGregor fight], even though the fight is still to be determined,” Chandler stated
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