Michael Chandler gets offered a new, explosive fight, while Conor McGregor is now rejected

Michael Chandler claims he has been given the chance to face another opponent in a UFC title fight after his recent bout with Conor McGregor was postponed.

Chandler was scheduled to face McGregor on Saturday at UFC 303, but McGregor was forced to withdraw due to a toe injury he sustained during preparations.

Despite the back and forth between the two, no new date has been confirmed yet.

Chandler claims he has now been given the opportunity to take on Islam Makhachev in a lightweight title fight later this year.

“I was offered Islam Makhachev in October, but if Conor McGregor’s little toe is ready in September, let’s do Sphere,” Chandler wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Greatest sporting event in sports history!”

Chandler was referring to the UFC’s September 14 pay-per-view event at the brand new Sphere venue in Las Vegas.

Chandler has also remained coy about a potential fight with McGregor, as preparations for the fight have been underway for 18 months now.

“I think we’ll find out more in the next week or two about how this is going to play out,” he added.

“I’ve been asked that question a lot over the last year, you know, about a timeline. Is there a certain date (to move on with McGregor)? When do you pull the plug?

“When are you going to put a slogan in here? I haven’t really thought about it yet, but I know some information will come my way soon and we’ll figure it out.”

Conor McGregor was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29. (Image: Getty)

Chandler, who hails from Tennessee, also admitted he wants to explore another UFC star after the disappointment of his planned fight with McGregor.

“I think it’s common knowledge now that Max’s name has been mentioned over the last few weeks,” he added.

“I have enormous respect for Max Holloway, and not just because he’s a bad guy.

“Max is the epitome of the guy who says, ‘Hey, I’m the guy who stands in the middle of an Octagon, points to the center and throws hands until one of us passes out. But I’m also a good guy.’ I have a lot of respect for him.

“I would love to fight him. I think it’s in the court of public opinion whether I’m a (BMF) caliber guy or not. “I have my opinions. I think I am, and I would love to share the Octagon (with him) at some point in my career.”

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