UFC lightweight Michael Chandler has once again called out former two-division champion Conor McGregor. Speaking at the UFC 281 post-fight press conference, Chandler demanded the chance to face “The Notorious” upon McGregor’s UFC return. McGregor has not set foot in the Octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier last July, and although he has promised to return to the fight game, has shown no signs of doing so in over a year.
“I think at this point he comes back, and he looks at the suitors, I don’t think I’m the easiest fight that he can take – but I do think I’m the biggest fight that he can take.
Chandler is “The Biggest Fight” for McGregor
I think Conor McGregor stepping back in the octagon does big numbers no matter what, he and I step into the octagon, and we’ll do staggering numbers. I do think that. I respect him. I would love to see him come back. Maybe I’m the guy that he comes back and fights.”
Chandler made the case that, although McGregor has plenty to occupy his attention these days, the biggest name in the game should always call the UFC home.
“We all know that fighting is his first love. Exactly six years ago today, Nov. 12, 2016, he became the double champ, and he apologized to absolutely nobody, and it was absolutely awesome.
He’s a legend of the sport. He’s the biggest name in the sport. It was bad enough we had to compete with Bentleys, Bugattis, boats, and a $100 million dollar whiskey company. Now we have to compete with the silver screens and bright lights of Hollywood. But come back to your first love, Conor. Step back in the octagon with me.”
Chandler has had no trouble finding himself faced with the UFC lightweight elite, facing Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson, and Dustin Poirier in his most recent four UFC appearances. Conor McGregor, who has not won a fight at lightweight since that fateful evening in 2016, will need to return to winning ways if he wants to maintain his legacy and reputation. Although Michael Chandler is certainly a dangerous opponent, his overall UFC record might appeal to a McGregor in need of a win.
Pitting two of the biggest stars in the sport against one another might be a huge money-spinner for the UFC if they can convince Conor McGregor to return to the Octagon. Would you watch McGregor vs Chandler? Let us know in the comments.
