Michael Chandler, after training in South Florida for the biggest bout of his career, was set to face off against Conor McGregor recently at UFC 303 in Las Vegas. Due to a broken toe, the Irish superstar decided to pull out of the fight to avoid further injury and pursue another opportunity when healthy.
The decision left Chandler, 38, in limbo as he continues his wait for a chance at McGregor on a marquee card in front of thousands at an arena, and millions watching at home.
In the interim, Chandler is balancing work and home life, bouncing from South Florida, where he frequently trains, to his residence in Nashville, Tennessee. As a member of Kill Cliff Fight Club, which is headquartered in Deerfield Beach, you’ll often see Chandler around the area, posting on social media.
But sometimes the cameras find him instead, as ESPN’s did after the news of McGregor’s decision, which Chandler referred to as a major gut punch.
“It’s an unfortunate thing that we have to go through as fighters,” he said. “This one just seems a lot different because it was such a big fight.”
Chandler burst onto the MMA scene after an ultra-successful Bellator career in the second-largest MMA promotion at the time. Chandler’s time in Bellator was nothing short of spectacular, winning the lightweight championship three times, with notable victories over high-caliber opponents like Eddie Alvarez, Benson Henderson, and Patricky Freire.
But it wasn’t until early 2021 that he finally made the jump to the UFC making a major splash with a knockout victory against Dan Hooker in his debut propelling him instantly into lightweight contention.
Through various highly praised bouts with the likes of Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje Chandler became an instant fan favorite across the globe and joined the ranks of numerous elite fighters fighting out of South Florida.
Outside the octagon, Chandler is known for his dedication to family and his inspirational outlook on life. He frequently speaks about the importance of perseverance, discipline, and maintaining a positive mindset, often sharing motivational messages with his fans.
Now nearly two years into his wait for a bout that was supposed to take place at the end of their coaching stints on UFC hit show Ultimate Fighter, the withdrawal of McGregor came as a shock to both Chandler and the rest of the UFC community as McGregor had never pulled out of a fight before.
UFC President Dana White spoke to the media to announce the postponement and what’s next for Chandler.
“I think poor Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor,” White said. “He’s a good human being and I like him a lot. Whatever he wants to do, we’ll figure out for him.”
While Chandler has acknowledged that he may have other options he remains adamant on his pursuit in a bout with the Irishman.
“I just put in 10 weeks,” he said. “I was away from my family, I’m not going to say it was time wasted because it was not time wasted.”
Chandler took to X this month to update his fans making this statement about what could be on the horizon for him.
“I’ve been offered Islam Makhachev in October, but if Conor McGregor’s little pinky toe is ready by September, let’s do Sphere. Biggest sporting event in the history of sports!”
With the prospect of rescheduling to the UFC’s first event at the Sphere, Chandler’s spirits remain high and fan interest has not waivered on one of the most highly anticipated bouts of all time.
