Michael Chandler Eyes New Opponent as McGregor Fight Stalls
Michael Chandler said in August 2024 that he would be “just fine” if his long-discussed fight with Conor McGregor did not happen, and he acknowledged Charles Oliveira as a realistic alternative. The bout with McGregor was set for June 2024 but was canceled after McGregor withdrew with an injury. Chandler eventually returned in November against Oliveira, who defeated him by unanimous decision over five rounds.
Why the McGregor fight stalled
Chandler and McGregor had been paired as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter and were expected to meet in the Octagon. The June 29, 2024 card was set to host the matchup, but McGregor suffered an injury during training and withdrew. The event proceeded with a different main event, leaving Chandler without the high-profile fight he had waited for.
In an interview reported on Aug. 12, Chandler said he was still open to facing McGregor but did not intend to wait indefinitely. He described Oliveira, his former opponent and lightweight contender, as a realistic alternative. The comments reflected his position at the time;
Chandler chose an active return
Chandler later faced Oliveira on Nov. 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden. Oliveira controlled much of the fight with grappling and won a unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 49–46, 49–46 and 49–45. Chandler mounted a rally in the fifth round, but Oliveira held on for the victory.
The fight with McGregor did not materialize in 2024. Chandler’s return against Oliveira resolved the immediate question of whether he would wait or take another matchup: he accepted a major lightweight bout and returned to competition. His callout of McGregor after the fight kept the possibility of their matchup alive publicly, but no confirmed booking followed at that time.
A long wait, then a different opponent
Chandler’s comments captured the uncertainty surrounding a high-profile matchup that had been discussed for months. His willingness to move forward with Oliveira gave him a competitive fight while the McGregor situation remained unsettled. The outcome was a clear official decision for Oliveira, though the late fifth-round exchanges made for a dramatic finish to the contest.
Sources
- MMA Mania: Chandler discusses an alternative if McGregor fight falls through
- Official event results: Chandler vs. Oliveira
- Official scorecards: Jones vs. Miocic card
- Official event updates: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2
Tags: MMA
