UFC president Dana White recently addressed the UFC’s plans regarding Michael Chandler after Conor McGregor withdrew from their highly anticipated UFC 303 mega-fight due to injury. The fight, originally scheduled for June 29, was set to be a clash between two elite fighters, but McGregor’s injury forced him to pull out.
Chandler, a former Bellator champion, had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to face McGregor. However, White emphasized that Chandler’s desire to wait for McGregor doesn’t preclude other options. If Chandler decides to move forward and seek a different opponent, the UFC is ready to accommodate his wishes.
“Uh, Chandler, I think poor Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor, man,” White stated during an interview on The Jim Rome Show. “Whatever he wants to do. If he wants to get a fight this summer, we’ll do whatever he wants. He’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever worked with. He’s a good human being, and I like him a lot. Whatever he wants to do, we’ll figure it out for him.”
Dana White says Michael Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor:
“I think poor Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor man.
If he wants to get a fight this summer, we’ll do whatever he wants. He’s one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever worked with.”
🎥 @jimrome #UFC303… pic.twitter.com/g1SGCV3cBs
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 17, 2024
Michael Chandler, with a 23-8 record in MMA, joined the UFC after a successful stint in Bellator. His UFC debut included a title fight against Charles Oliveira in May 2021, which he lost via TKO. Despite the setback, Chandler remains a top contender in the lightweight division.
As the UFC adjusts its plans, the main event for UFC 303 will now feature a Light Heavyweight title match between champion Alex Pereira and No. 1 challenger Jiří Procházka. The co-main event will showcase a Featherweight bout between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes.
Will Michael Chandler wait for Conor McGregor?
The road to UFC 303 has been bumpy, with the cancellation of a press conference between McGregor and Chandler in Dublin, Ireland. Over 10,000 fans were expected to attend the event. Now, the UFC must find a new date for Chandler’s next fight.
McGregor confirmed his injury and expressed disappointment at being ruled out of the scheduled bout. He assured fans and opponents that he would return at his best once fully healed.
Dana White’s commitment to supporting Michael Chandler underscores the UFC’s dedication to providing exciting matchups and ensuring fighters get the opportunities they deserve. Whether it’s McGregor or another opponent, Chandler’s next fight promises to be a must-watch event.
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