UFC

“Biggest combat sports icon” – Michael Chandler opens up on facing Conor McGregor before his retirement

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Michael Chandler fights for the UFC Lightweight title next but wants to face Conor McGregor before he retires

Michael Chandler was speaking to Helen Yee about his future fights. The American takes on Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 for the vacant Lightweight title.

This would be Chandler’s second fight in the UFC, and it will be interesting to see how that goes. However, there is another big fight in the division with Conor McGregor taking on Dustin Poirier in a trilogy.

(R-L) Michael Chandler punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

This fight takes place in July but there was another aspect brought up. McGregor spoke about a new belt for himself and even shared some design elements that could be part of it.

Chandler was asked about this and he seemed to have a positive reaction to this:

“I love it, man. It is Conor being Conor. Listen, you can say what you want about Conor but man, the dude’s the biggest combat sports icon on the planet. Not just right now but he has been for a while and he will be for the foreseeable future.”

Michael Chandler wants to fight Conor McGregor

Chandler also didn’t believe this title would be made by the UFC, unlike the BMF title which Jorge Masvidal won.

However, he spoke about wanting to face McGregor in the future:

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“I don’t think it’s going to happen. I think it’s kind of a cool idea and I would love the prospect of him beating Dustin Poirier and me fighting him.

“Me putting my belt on the line, you know, November, December. Him putting the Conor McGregor belt on the line. I would love a paddock rare belt or whatever he said sitting on my mantle, to add to my collection.

“I want to share the Octagon with Conor McGregor sooner or later, eventually before I retire so we will see if it happens after I beat Charles Oliveira. How many fights it will take we will see.”

The winner of the McGregor vs Poirier could get a clash for the title next. Chandler was impressive in his UFC debut and it will be interesting to see how he does against Oliveira.

Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

McGregor might be coming off a loss in the second fight against Poirier at UFC 257. However, Chandler believes that the Irishman can made some adjustments to his game and be a tougher fight for the Diamond.

McGregor vs Chandler would be quite a fight too. The UFC could set this up but both men have to first win their respective fights next for that to possibly happen soon.

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Saiyed Adeem Karim

Ditching a corporate job to follow a dream isn't easy, but when football comes calling, who can say no? Been following the beautiful game since 1998. Liverpool addict, F1 fanatic!