Conor McGregor snubbed as Michael Chandler offered new UFC fight

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

Chandler and McGregor were scheduled to meet at UFC 303 last weekend, but the Irishman pulled out after breaking his toe three weeks before the event. The fight has not been rescheduled and UFC CEO Dana White has ruled out a McGregor return before November. Chandler revealed he was offered a shot at Makhachev in Abu Dhabi in October.

“I was offered Islam Makhachev in October, but if Conor McGregor’s pinky toe is ready by September, let’s do Sphere,” Chandler tweeted. “The biggest sporting event in the history of sports!” Chandler was referring to the UFC’s pay-per-view spectacle that will be held at the new Sphere arena in Las Vegas on September 14.

Chandler had earlier admitted he would soon have to make a decision on whether to continue waiting for McGregor. The rivals were first announced as opponents 18 months ago when they were named coaches on reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter.

“I think we’ll know a lot in the next couple of weeks about how this is going to play out,” Chandler added. “I’ve been asked this question a lot over the last year, you know, about a timeline. Is there a specific date (to move on from McGregor)? When do we get his contract out? When do we put a tagline in there? And I haven’t really thought about it, but I know some information is going to come to me pretty soon, and we’ll figure it out.”

Chandler also revealed that Max Holloway is another potential opponent. “I think it’s common knowledge at this point that Max’s name has been brought up in his last two weeks,” he said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Max Holloway, and not just because he’s a bad guy.”

“Max is the epitome of the guy who says, ‘Hey, I’m the guy who’s going to stand in the middle of an octagon, point to the center and throw punches until one of us passes out. But I’m also a good guy.’ I have a ton of respect for him. I would love to compete against him. I guess it’s up to the public to decide whether or not I’m a (BMF) caliber guy. I have my opinions. I think I am, and I would love to share the octagon (with him) at some point in my career.”