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    Michael Chandler Chasing Conor McGregor Fight Should UFC Deny Him Second Title Shot

    ByRoss Markey

    Apr 2, 2022
    Michael Chandler

    Ahead of his return next month at UFC 274 against former interim lightweight titleholder, Tony Ferguson, former three-time Bellator lightweight best, Michael Chandler has claimed that he will pursue a “spectacle” clash with former two-weight best, Conor McGregor – if he’s denied a second title siege.

    Chandler, who made his UFC move last year, established a 1-2 record over the course of the year with the organization – debuting in spectacular fashion with a first round knockout win over recent UFC London co-headliner, Dan Hooker.

    Earning a shot at the vacant lightweight title, Chandler headlined UFC 262 against Charles Oliveira, suffering an eventual second round knockout loss after a promising opening round for the Missouri native.

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    Michael Chandler clinched Bellator gold on three separate occasions during his stint with the promotion

    Returning at UFC 268 back in November, the Sanford MMA staple suffered a second consecutive defeat against incoming title challenger, Justin Gaethje – dropping a unanimous decision loss in the consensus Fight of the Year.

    Set to return on May 7. against Ferguson, Chandler, who currently occupies the #5 rank at the lightweight limit, has sights set on a title challenge with a victory over the Oxnard native. However, if a win is not enough to land a second title tilt under the promotion’s banner, he wants to challenge McGregor next.

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    “I want the Conor (McGregor) fight for the magnitude of the moment,” Michael Chandler said during a recent interview with MMA Fighting. “Stepping inside the Octagon and doing something really monumental. You don’t get a bigger platform than fighting Conor McGregor. That’s what I would love to happen if I don’t get the title shot, of course.”

    “July or August would be great for me,” Michael Chandler continued. “I will go out there, beat Tony (Ferguson) in May, and just have a little bit of time to recover, then go right back in the training camp for a July or August fight. If he (Conor McGregor) comes back and he doesn’t get the title shot, he’s gonna have to go through somebody to get that title shot. So, I think I’m kind of that, that perfect guy, right there ranked about number five. He could come in – if he gets a win over me, he definitely gets the title shot.” (Transcribed by LowKick MMA)