Michael Chandler, a favourite for die-hard MMA fans, exploded onto the scene when he joined the UFC in early 2021.
The former Bellator champion’s first-round finish of Dan Hooker was just the start of an electrifying UFC tenure. Since his debut, the 37-year-old has been must-watch TV , evidenced by receiving the Sherdogs 2021 Fight of the Year award for his epic war with Justin Gaethje. While also picking up their 2022 Knockout of the Year award for his vicious front kick knockout of Tony Ferguson. So it was no surprise that he was given the opportunity to coach The Ultimate Fighter alongside Conor McGregor.
Chandler reacts to Conor McGregor missing the USADA deadline
Once TUF concludes, the normality is that both coaches will schedule to fight each other and settle any arguments they may have endured while filming. However, McGregor has been out of the USADA testing pool to recover from his gruesome leg break that transpired during his fight with Dustin Poirier. And even though over the past couple of months, “The Notorious” has promised fans that he and Chandler will throw down by the end of the year. It’s looking increasingly unlikely with the 6-month USADA testing deadline passing.
Chandler took to Twitter to share his frustrations with the Irishman missing the USADA deadline to fight this year. Watch the full clip below.
Alvarez Calls for Trilogy Bout With Michael Chandler
With the McGregor fight in limbo, Eddie Alvarez took to Twitter to call his former opponent out.
The feud between Chandler and Alvarez dates back to 2011. At the time, Alvarez was the Bellator lightweight champion, and Chandler was the surging undefeated prospect on the rise. The pair clashed in one of the greatest fights to go down under the Bellator banner. After an action-packed first three rounds, Chandler managed to take Alvarez’s back in the fourth and secure a rear naked choke that led to the tap.
Chandler defended his newly equipped belt three times before crossing paths with “The Underground King” again. This time though, the bout went to the judge’s scorecards, with Alvarez reclaiming his belt via split decision.
Alvarez’s most recent outing came in a Bare Knuckle Boxing scrap with former UFC fighter Chad Mendes. The pair put on a hellacious showing which resulted in Alvarez getting his hand raised.
With Chandler and Alvarez one apiece, could we see Alvarez return to the octagon to complete his trilogy with Chandler?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
