EXCLUSIVE: Michael Chandler on Conor McGregor wanting ‘easier fights’, their ‘gentleman’s agreement’ – and how quickly he’ll finish Charles Oliveira at Madison Square Garden

Just over a month after Michael Chandler shifted his focus from a blockbuster fight against Conor McGregor, the No. 6 UFC lightweight is adamant the Irish superstar avoided him to get an easy route back to the Octagon.

With no fight since July 2021, McGregor’s long-awaited return was announced for UFC 303 to conclude International Fight Week in June. However, after suffering a toe injury in camp, McGregor withdrew, leaving his designated dance partner in Chandler high and dry.

When the buzz around the McGregor fight died down, Chandler accepted a rematch with Charles Oliveira as the co-headliner of UFC 309 in November at Madison Square Garden. Still, Chandler said he remains the rightful opponent for McGregor’s return, speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com.

“Conor’s return makes a lot of sense,” Chandler said. “He has battled through injuries before, as seen in the documentaries he released. I never wanted to sound full of myself, but there are much easier fights for him to fight.

“But when he comes back, the road goes through Nashville, Tennessee and Michael Chandler,” he added.

More than two years after executing a picturesque front kick knockout on Tony Ferguson with a cinematic call-out to McGregor, Chandler grew tired of waiting and training in vain for the former two-division champion.

McGregor infamously broke his tibia and lost his trilogy fight to Dustin Poirier in his last UFC appearance. Once fit to compete again, Chandler became the target opponent for McGregor’s return.

The long cat-and-mouse game was highlighted by a season of the reality series The Ultimate Fighter, in which the two served as opposing coaches.

While his training camp has now switched to a contrasting opponent, Chandler noticed a gentleman’s agreement between himself and McGregor.

“It’s a clear path, I’m next in line,” he said. “You can’t do a season of The Ultimate Fighter without fighting. He signed a contract and we had a gentleman’s agreement. We’ll both put butts in the seats and people will be intrigued by everything Conor does.”

While Chandler remains in the gym, McGregor’s continued troubling behavior has raised concerns among MMA fans. Promising videos of him in the gym are routinely thrown out by viral clips showing his drinking, gambling and partying habits.

Furthermore, a recent video of McGregor fighting Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has reportedly led the North London giants to investigate how the UFC star ended up on the field. Although the leg kicks forward were padded and playful, the Gunners will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the situation.

With a meeting against a familiar foe in Oliveira on the agenda, Chandler is leaving no room for McGregor’s antics during his preparation.

“I’m 100 percent apathetic about it,” Chandler said. “You can’t get emotionally involved in these things. Men do what men do and that’s how it will be. Until he is ready, the focus is on the title.”

“I’m focused on beating Charles and then fighting for the title,” he continued. ‘When Arman [Tsarukyan] and Islam [Makhachev] fight, wherever that may be, I’ll be on the side of the cage. The goal has always been the same.’

After Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from the sport, Do Bronxs met Chandler for the vacant title in December 2021. In what was the ninth win of 11 consecutive bouts, the Brazilian scored a second-round knockout to become the king of the lightweights.

Oliveira then defended the title against Poirier before losing weight in his win against Justin Gaethje, leaving the title vacant. After being dethroned by the Bowl, he was submitted by reigning champion Islam Makhachev, who returned the title to Dagestan.

With a chance at redemption and title contention on the table, Chandler reiterated his excitement for the rematch.

Additionally, he noted his previous performances at Madison Square Garden as he sought his first win at the historic venue.

‘After the fight [with McGregor] was canceled, I booked the first flight home, licked my wounds and went right back to work,” Chandler said. ‘Shortly afterwards I received a call from Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell]Charles Oliveira was offered for November and we accepted.”

“MSG has always been a show,” he added. “I blew the roof off there with a Fight of the Year against Justin Gaethje and the fight against Dustin Poirier. It’s where magic happens.’

With a win over Beneil Dariush sandwiched between his losses to Makhachev and Tsarukyan, Oliveira has a record of 34-10 with 10 knockouts and a UFC record 21 submissions.

On the other hand, Chandler heads into the rematch with a 23-8 record, including 11 knockouts and seven submission wins. Chandler’s final appearance was a submission loss to Poirier at the Garden, which was the precursor to his campaign for the McGregor fight.

When they met again between 7th and 8th Avenues in Manhattan, Chandler insisted, “I’ll kill him in the second [round]. I will be focused and disciplined. I’ll let him guess, backpedal and look for the exit sign late in the first round.’

As for rumors that McGregor may be done with the sport, Chandler shuts down the noise from the media and fans.

While he credited his rival for launching MMA’s mainstream popularity, Iron Mike stayed true to the door when and if McGregor’s supposed return would take place.

“No one’s opinion matters,” Chandler said. ‘Especially in 2024 when everyone has an opinion.’

“If Conor comes back, great, I’m ready to fight him. If he doesn’t, we wish him the best of luck in his retirement. His contributions to the sport are unparalleled. The only thing I’m worried about is me.’