Michael Chandler has decided not to pursue a fight with Conor McGregor. While this may surprise some fans who were looking forward to a potential UFC Lightweight title match against Islam Makhachev, Chandler has instead chosen to have a rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 on Nov. 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden. Oliveira had previously defeated Chandler with a second-round technical knockout at UFC 262 in May 2022.
Prior to the McGregor fight falling through, Chandler had shown interest in a unique title concept for the fight, akin to the Baddest Motherf*cker (BMF) title. There was even a chance that Chandler could have faced the current champion Max Holloway at UFC 306. However, Holloway decided to take on Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 next month.
Although Chandler was ready and prepared for the fight with Holloway, he understands and respects Holloway’s decision not to compete at UFC 306. Chandler acknowledges that while he was eager for the matchup, Holloway needed some well-deserved rest and was not prepared to immediately jump into a training camp to face him.
