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Michael Chandler claims he was offered title shot against Islam Makhachev

Posted on by angelo

Michael Chandler claims he was offered a title fight against Islam Makhachev after his fight against Conor McGregor was cancelled.

Michael Chandler

Chandler was supposed to headline UFC 303 against McGregor in a highly anticipated fight. But, just two weeks before the fight, McGregor was forced to withdraw due to injury, and the hope for “Iron” was that the fight would be rescheduled.

However, speaking of X, Michael Chandler took to social media to share that he has been offered a lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev in October.

“I was offered @MAKHACHEVMMA (Islam Makhachev) in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA (Conor McGregor) “Pink toe is ready by September, let’s make the sphere. The biggest sporting event in the history of sports!!!!,” Chandler wrote.

The news came as a surprise to many, as Michael Chandler hasn’t fought since November 2022, when he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. He’s also 1-2 in his last three fights, so it’s surprising that he’s even being considered for a title shot, especially since many consider Arman Tsaukyan the No. 1 contender at lightweight.

Makhachev, meanwhile, also hinted on social media that a surprise opponent would be his next fight.

“I need a new (target),” Makhachev wrote.

It is unclear if Chandler has been offered the fight as he claims. However, even if Chandler has been offered a shot at Makhachev for the lightweight title, he still wants to face Conor McGregor and remains hopeful that fight will happen. But if Chandler turns down a title fight, which could be his last chance to become the UFC champion against McGregor, it would be an interesting choice.

Michael Chandler is 23-8 as a pro and is coming off a submission loss to Dustin Poirier. Prior to that, he earned a knockout win over Tony Ferguson to get back in the win column after a decision loss to Justin Gaethje and a submission loss to Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title. In his UFC debut, he earned a knockout win over Dan Hooker.