Michael Chandler, the three-time Bellator lightweight champion, made his UFC debut in September 2020. After that, he entered the octagon five times and secured victories twice. Iron is famous for action and punching power, he knocked out big names like Tony Ferguson and Dan Hooker.
“Without fear there is no bravery.”
Nothing but respect between @DustinPoirier & @MikeChandlerMMA 🤝 #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/ZO80qyo6lX
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022
Chandler faced the former interim UFC lightweight titleholder Dustin Porrier on November 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York City at UFC 281. As the winner would be the potential UFC lightweight title challenger, the fight drew huge attention, but Chandler missed the opportunity and lost the bout by third-round submission.
After that defeat, Chandler looks for his next fight, and Iron considers fighting against former Irish champion Conor McGregor. Iron also believes that he could be the easiest option for Mcgregor, who is currently undergoing several drug tests from USADA for a six-month period. In the post-fight press conference Chandler stated:
“I think at this point he’ll [Conor McGregor] come back and look at the suitors. I don’t think I’m the easiest fight that he could take, but I am the biggest fight that he could take. I think Conor McGregor stepping back in the octagon does big numbers no matter what. But Conor McGregor stepping inside the octagon with me does staggering numbers. I respect him; I would love to see him come back, and maybe I’ll be the guy that he comes back and fights.”
In his professional MMA career, Conor has appeared in 28 fights, in which he has secured 22 victories. The Irish fighter also tried professional boxing once but lost. The Irish fighter lost his last two UFC appearances against Dustin Porrier, and the last bout against Porrier earned him a massive leg break, which resulted in Conor taking several months of rehab.
Currently, Mr. Notorious is busy with the movie (Road House, an upcoming Hollywood action film ) schedule, but after that, the 34-year-old fighter will be back in the octagon again. Though Chandler lost against big names like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier, he could really be one of the toughest opponents for the Irishman.
