Title Shot? Michael Chandler Offered Islam Makhachev… But Still Waiting for Conor McGregor

Michael Chandler finds itself in a very unique situation.

Former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Chandler has been out since November 2022. However, it’s not due to injury, but to patience toward a promised matchup against Conor McGregor.

Chandler, 38, was supposed to Finally Chandler faced the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight and lightweight champion at UFC 303 this past weekend (June 29, 2024). Unfortunately, a broken toe led “The Notorious” to withdraw from the fight, making it the first time he has pulled out of a scheduled mixed martial arts (MMA) bout. Chandler now claims he has been offered a UFC lightweight title fight against the champion, Islam Makhachevas a supposed consolation for his patience.

Rather than simply moving on to take advantage of this rare opportunity, “Iron” refuses to completely give up on the prospect of his “red panty night” with McGregor.

“I was offered to join @MAKHACHEVMMA in October, but if @TheNotoriousMMA’s pinky toe is ready by September, let’s make the sphere,” Chandler tweeted. “The biggest sporting event in the history of sports!!!! @RiyadhSeason #ufc306”

The last time Chandler fought, he lost by rear-naked choke in the third round to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 (watch highlights). The loss dropped him to 1-3 in his last four fights (23-8 overall). Poirier, coincidentally, was the last to challenge Makhachev, falling in the fifth round when Makhachev locked a tight arce choke (watch highlights).

Makhachev and Poirier briefly joked today (Monday, July 1, 2024) when the latter teased his interest in a rematch if necessary because of the #1 ranked contender, Arman Tsarukyan‘sa recent suspension. This suspension would be the only logical obstacle for the main contender to be Makhachev’s next challenger.