Michael Chandler is shifting gears. Instead of waiting indefinitely for Conor McGregor, he’s gearing up for a rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. The fight will be a five-round co-main event, and Chandler confirmed the news on his YouTube channel. He explained his reasons for moving on from the much-anticipated bout with McGregor, at least for the time being.
“I think you guys have forgotten over the last year or so who Michael Chandler is,” Chandler said. He went on to remind fans of his recent achievementsL
“From October of 2020 to November of 2022, I did six training camps, one backup for the world title fight, five fights in 25 months, four Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night bonuses, two Fight of the Year candidates, one Fight of the Year against Justin Gaethje, one KO of the Year against Tony Ferguson, one Debut of the Year against Dan Hooker.”
For Chandler, those accomplishments explain why he’s ready to face Oliveira again. “That is why I’m taking the Charles Oliveira fight,” he added.
Michael Chandler Shares Why He’s Taking on Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 Instead of Conor McGregor
Chandler acknowledged that chasing the McGregor fight over the last year and a half brought him a lot of exposure:
“I got more promo, more eyeballs, more of everything in the last year and half than I would have gotten in three fights,” he said. Now, though, he sees a big opportunity in front of him. “I get the opportunity to take a title run. 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.”
Chandler didn’t rule out the McGregor fight entirely but made it clear that he’s moving forward. “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.”
For Chandler, this decision is all about betting on himself:
Chandler Hungry to Get Back to Title
“This is the ultimate bet on yourself,” he said: “I still have the McGregor fight, even though the fight is still to be determined. But I am pivoting. Why? Because I’m a fighter through and through, and I think you guys have forgotten that.”
Chandler made it clear that this upcoming fight with Oliveira is personal. Their first meeting at UFC 262 in 2021 saw Oliveira stop Chandler by knockout in the second round to claim the lightweight title. “This is a revenge fight,” Chandler said:
“Charles Oliveira stole my dream of becoming UFC champion. My number one goal, becoming the No. 1 guy in the entire world. So now… we’re going to go beat him in the rematch.”
Chandler’s been chasing a fight with McGregor for a couple of years now, even coaching against him on The Ultimate Fighter. They were supposed to square off at UFC 303, but McGregor had to pull out due to a toe injury. Chandler expects McGregor to respond to this change in plans with some harsh words, but that doesn’t concern him.
“I know Conor is already out there talking,” Chandler said. “Obviously he has to talk and throw shade at me and tell me I’m an idiot for squandering the bag. This is the biggest fight and now he’s just upset, he’s got his feelings hurt, because he realizes what I’ve realized the entire time but haven’t been public about it: I don’t need Conor McGregor to cement my legacy in this sport.”
Spectacle at MSG in New York City
Chandler’s focus is clear: becoming the UFC champion. “I’m here to be champion, I’m here to be No. 1. I dispatch Charles Oliveira Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden — which will be my third Fight of the Night at Madison Square Garden since I’ve been in the UFC. I’m going to go get my hand raised and then I’m going to go win the title or I finally get the opportunity to snatch Conor McGregor’s soul out of his body.”
While the Oliveira fight is set, there’s more excitement ahead at UFC 309. Though not official, a heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic is expected to headline the event, which takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16.
As for Chandler, his focus is on revenge and reclaiming his dream of UFC gold. But he’s also leaving the door open for a future clash with McGregor, should the opportunity arise.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
