Michael Chandler was all set to make a comeback to the UFC octagon against Conor McGregor but now he is in limbo after the fight got postponed in June. A clash full of potential fame and riches remains elusive due to the Irishman’s continued setbacks. Even Chandler’s teammate Gilbert Burns has claimed, “I would never wait that long for any opponent.” His criticism points towards the realities of a fighter’s best years coming to an end.
Burns has some advice for Chandler
Michael Chandler’s last appearance in the UFC Octagon was in November 2022 at UFC 281 where he suffered a submission loss against Dustin Poirier. Now, a highly anticipated match against “The Notorious” has made him wait for so long. With no date finalized for the fight, the wait has raised concerns among people who are close to “Iron.”
UFC fighter Gilbert Burns has emphasized the importance of staying active in the combat sport and said, “I would never wait that long for any opponent. Especially at my age. Chandler also just turned 38. I would never wait two years. That’s crazy. Even though it’s Conor McGregor. I don’t care. I would never wait.”
“Durinho” understands the draw of fighting former UFC champion McGregor, as he is the biggest attraction in the UFC. But he questions whether it is worth sacrificing two years of a career, especially for someone who is nearing the end of their peak. According to Gilbert, most fighters won’t wait. Chandler has been waiting for quite a while now. First, the Irishman was recovering from a broken foot in his return to the UFC’s anti-doping program. Then UFC President Dana White says McGregor is unlikely to fight in 2024. Burns has advised Chandler to set a deadline. “He’s already waiting that long, I would wait until December. If not, you have to move on,” said Burns.
Chandler is open to a new fight contract
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Chandler’s potential clash with Conor McGregor, the former Bellator champion remains optimistic about his career. Recently, in an interview, McGregor stated that he does believe that the McGregor fight will happen as they are in a period where things are being talked about. He further stressed that his legacy doesn’t depend on this fight.
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Chandler has had a great career in Bellator prior to joining the UFC. He is a three-time Bellator champion. “Iron” has scored notable wins in the UFC against fighters like Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson. Chandler is ready for new challenges and revealed that he is open to receiving a new fight offer and is keeping all options open for a potential new contract.
