Michael Chandler finally breaks silence on fighting Conor McGregor at UFC 300
Michael Chandler has been linked as the opponent for Conor McGregor's comeback fight for some time, and the American could finally get his hands on him at UFC 300.
MMA star Michael Chandler revealed there are no plans in place to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 300 despite speculation surrounding a potential bout. Amid fans waiting for confirmation of the anticipated fight, Chandler teased a big announcement - only to confirm he’s a part owner of tequila brand Hiatus.
Related articles
Chandler, a former Bellator champion, has been linked with a fight with McGregor once the popular Irishman makes his return from injury. McGregor’s last UFC victory came over three years ago when he defeated Donald Cerrone in January 2020.
Since then, he has lost twice to Dustin Poirier and hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in their July 2021 contest at UFC 264. McGregor and Chandler - who has a 23-8 record - featured in this year's The Ultimate Fighter series as opposing coaches and the season is expected to conclude with an epic grudge bout between the pair.
McGregor, who boasts a 22-6 MMA record, will be eligible to return to competition in April after being recently readmitted into the UFC drug-testing pool. When asked by The MMA Hour’s Ariel Helwani if he will face McGregor at UFC 300 in Las Vegas in April 2024, Chandler suggested it would be the ideal event - but he cannot promise anything.
“I just don’t have any information,” Chandler told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. “Obviously, that would be a dream scenario - that’s when I would like to fight, where I would like to fight, and who I would like to fight. Chandler vs Conor is happening.
“I don’t have a date or a location or a UFC number for you, but it’s definitely going to happen next year so we’re going to enjoy the holidays and we’re going to stay in shape, go back to training camp in January and train my tail off until that fight happens.”
Amid rumors the fight could take place in the summer, Chandler said: “Hey listen, I respect Conor. I respect Coach Kavanagh, we’re very cordial. I don’t have to hate Connor to want to go in there and rip his head off in front of millions of people.
“But these guys are very good at creating their own narrative and throwing little breadcrumbs out there that are just stale as heck and not even a mouse would eat them. Just remember when they say things, maybe it’s true. Maybe it’s not true. Maybe they’re saying things just to make people like yourself speculate.
“And also, me speculate. I’ve heard and seen Conor talk about other opponents. I’ve seen Conor talk about different dates. I’ve seen Conor completely dismiss me and act like the fight with me isn’t happening. These are all ways these guys try and get inside people’s heads.
“Unluckily for them, your boy’s bulletproof. We’re staying with the plan. We’re right where we need to be. I’ve had a year-plus now to think about and visualize knocking Connor out, watching over his tape, and seeing the training footage that’s coming out - I see that he’s training and coming back. He got back in the USADA testing pool and he’s not doing that unless he’s actually coming back so he’s trying to wait me out.
“The greatest comeback in combat sports history goes through one man and his name is Michael Chandler.”
McGregor and Chandler both competed at 155 pounds in their most recent outings, but they’ve reportedly discussed the possibility of fighting all the way up at middleweight. It is unclear what weight the fight will be at if it even goes ahead.
