While watching Conor McGregor and Petr Yan spar at an IBA boxing match in Dubai, Michael Chandler quietly chastised McGregor for his opponent selection. Attending UFC fighters engaged in a fierce staredown officiated by the IBA President.
The tension eventually subsided, though, as McGregor and Yan shared a post-staredown embrace and started laughing. By hinting at the competitive dynamics within the UFC and adding to the ongoing narrative in the mixed martial arts world, Chandler’s jab adds an intriguing layer to the interaction.
Michael Chandler takes a shot at Conor McGregor
Though there was initial excitement about Conor McGregor fighting Michael Chandler following the conclusion of The Ultimate Fighter reality show in 2023, but the match never happened. Furious, Chandler mockingly attacked McGregor on social media for staring down Petr Yan.
Given the dynamics and changes in the UFC landscape, the mockery highlights the size and weight differences between the possible opponents, adding controversy to McGregor’s decision-making and raising questions among fans about whether this matchup will actually happen.
Looking for a 135er or preferably a 125er to face off with, on camera, at an obscure event…any takers? I need relevancy…
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) December 10, 2023
Disagreements with USADA are partly to blame for Conor McGregor’s delayed comeback to competition. Despite these difficulties, McGregor has stated that he is excited to take on notable opponents like Dustin Poirier and BMF champion Justin Gaethje.
Michael Chandler has been aggressively pushing for a major matchup with the former UFC two-division champion at the same time. The UFC’s dynamic storyline is shaped by the complexities surrounding McGregor’s return and Chandler’s unwavering pursuit of high-profile bouts.
Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight status
Michael Chandler is adamant that he will be the opponent McGregor welcomes back to the UFC in 2024. The last time Mystic Mac entered the cage was for his trilogy match against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, more than two years ago.
Unfortunately, McGregor’s broken tibia ended the fight. Fans have frequently speculated that McGregor might make a comeback at UFC 300, and Ariel Helwani recently questioned Chandler about the likelihood of that happening.
Even though “The Notorious” has suggested fights that might be more well-known, like a bout with Justin Gaethje, the current BMF champion, a bout with Chandler, who is ranked #5, could thrust McGregor back into the mix at the top of the stacked lightweight division, currently headed by Islam Makhachev.
