Michael chandler in a post-event interview. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
Almost three years after being knocked out by Charles from the Bronx in the fight for the UFC lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg), Michael chandler is back in the octagon for a long-awaited rematch, which takes place at UFC 309, this Saturday (16). Although a victory over the Brazilian puts him in a good position to fight for the title, the American is still not sure if this will be his next step, as he is also interested in facing Conor McGregor.
In a press conference at 'Media Day', Chandler spoke about his next steps if he beats Charles. He admitted that, although a victory would put him as the next challenger for the belt, he would not rule out the possibility of revisiting his rivalry with the Irishman.
“I’m a guy that sometimes wants to put all my chips on the table. I’m not afraid to put all my chips on the table and bet on myself to say, ‘Hey, I already secured a title shot, but now Conor’s coming back, do you want to take this fight before you get the title shot and potentially risk losing it?’ We’ll see what happens. It depends on how everything plays out. I’ve already laid out my path on the mic, on camera. That’s a possibility depending on when he gets his house in order and when he comes back, and when this whole situation is resolved. I think it’s a fight that Conor wants. It’s a fight that I want. We need to finish ‘TUF 31,’ so that could be something that happens down the road.”
Michael chandler faced Charles of the Bronx for the first time in UFC 262, when the Brazilian won the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). Since then, the American has accumulated one fight victory and two losses.
Chandler's last appearance in the octagon was in November 2022, in a fight against Dustin poirier. From that moment on, the American developed a rivalry with Conor McGregor, and the two even had a fight scheduled for June of this year. However, the Irishman had to withdraw due to a toe injury.
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