After two years of anticipation, Michael Chandler is returning to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 309.
Despite a lengthy wait to fight Conor McGregor, Chandler now finds himself set for a bout against former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at Madison Square Garden.
Chandler Not Giving Up On Uncertain McGregor Fight
Chandler’s career hit a standstill due to an extended wait for a fight with Conor McGregor. We were expecting to finally see the showdown at UFC 303 in July, but McGregor’s withdrawal due to a broken toe prolonged Chandler’s time away from the cage.
Chandler then shifted his focus, accepting a rematch against Oliveira for UFC 309’s co-main event in New York City.
Despite this, he has not completely given up hope for a future fight with McGregor, noting that his opponent’s return to the UFC would “go through one man” – himself.
However, Chandler now sees the time he spent away as an opportunity to grow and focus on his own path.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chandler noted, “Conor’s doing his thing, I’m doing my thing… It was a great process for me. It was beneficial.”
Chandler Accepting “Extreme Accountability” And Controlling His Career
Chandler’s two-year hiatus sparked criticism from within the MMA community, with many questioning his decision to wait for McGregor.
In response, Chandler is clear about one thing: he made the choice to wait, and he owns it completely.
“Ultimately, it’s about extreme accountability as well,” he explained. “I could have, at any given time… said, ‘Hey, Hunter [Campbell], I’m done, man. I’m not waiting any longer.’ It’s on me. I’m in control of my own career.”
He continued, “Happiness, joy, peace, and contentment are on the other side of the feelings of power that you have over yourself when you take extreme accountability.”
Michael Chandler clears the air regarding the rumors that the Charles Oliveira fight was in jeopardy.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/DH8VJjLgCD
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 11, 2024
Chandler vs Oliveira: Redemption at Madison Square Garden
Oliveira and Chandler’s first clash in 2021 was explosive, resulting in a second-round stoppage and a lost opportunity for Chandler to capture the lightweight title.
Chandler recalls that loss as a defining moment, explaining, “That was my one opportunity, I thought, to become… the No. 1 guy in the world, and Charles Oliveira shattered that dream.”
This rematch holds symbolic weight for Chandler, who is determined to rewrite the ending. Saturday’s fight at Madison Square Garden isn’t just about redemption – it’s also a chance for Chandler to claim his first-ever win at the iconic venue, where he currently holds an 0-3 record.
If Chandler can secure a victory over Oliveira, it would place him back in title contention, likely setting him up for a potential title shot in the near future.
