After waiting many months for a Conor Mcgregor fight, Michael Chandler has finally conceded to battling Charles Oliveira in a co-main event match at the UFC 309.
The two faced off at UFC 262 in 2022, and Oliveria defeated Chandler via second-round TKO. Michael Chandler revealed that the fight was supposed to be a BMF battle between him and Max Holloway.
“I almost was going to fight [at UFC 306],” Chandler said. “It was offered to fight Max. I respect Max because Max is a champion, Max is going to beat Ilia Topuria, I believe.”
Although Chandler was excited to accept this fight, Holloway turned it down. “Iron” understood Holloway’s reason as the fighter, as he is the No. 1 contender for the featherweight title.
“I think it was realistic for me because I was already in camp, in shape, and ready to go.” Chandler explained. “I bring that up, not to… you know, guys throw these things out there to act like tough guys — I don’t do this to act like a tough guy. If I was Max, I wouldn’t have taken the fight either. I was pumped up that, maybe, it was a possible opportunity — Chandler vs. Holloway, BMF belt, at the Sphere [at UFC 306] — but if I was him, I wouldn’t have taken it either.
“He was on vacation, or doing something, he was enjoying some well-deserved time off and wasn’t ready to get in a camp and fight someone like me.”
Despite liking the idea of facing such a formidable opponent, Chandler is content to face Oliveira and win this rematch. He believes there is a possibility he may get a crack at Holloway next year.
“That’s a fight, I think, is going to happen in 2025 and I’m excited about it,” Chandler said. “It’s Oliveira, it’s Islam, it’s Conor, it’s Max, we’ve got some huge fights coming up. They’re all going to be exciting, you guys are going to be there. You’re all going to be covering, you’re all going to be on the edge of your seats.”
When Holloway earned his title from Justin Gaethe at UFC 300 in April, he called out Featherweight champion, Topuria. His wish was granted as he’ll challenge “El Matador” at UFC 308 on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
