UFC contender Michael Chandler revealed the promotion has offered him a fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Chandler was supposed to make his return to the Octagon this past Saturday in a main-event bout at UFC 303 in Las Vegas against Conor McGregor. However, the Irish fighter withdrew from the match after sustaining a broken pinky toe during training. It marked the first time in McGregor’s career that he pulled out of a scheduled fight.
The UFC appeared intent to reschedule the match between Chandler and McGregor but didn’t set a date. McGregor said the injury will take a few weeks to heal.
Despite the promotion offering an opportunity at the title, Chandler appears to be holding out hope that a bout between the former two-division champion and himself can still take place.
I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pinky toe is ready by Sept, let’s do sphere. Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!! @RiyadhSeason #ufc306 pic.twitter.com/STUUFns2Hp
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) July 2, 2024
The 38-year-old Chandler has been out of action since being submitted by Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022. “Iron’s” last win was an impressive frontkick KO of Tony Ferguson at UFC 274.
Makhachev recently improved his record to 26-1 after successfully defending his title at UFC 302 by submitting Poirier in the fifth round. The Russian fighter recently mocked McGregor’s injury on X, suggesting he should’ve remained on the card.
