Michael Chandler has been eagerly eyeing a matchup with Conor McGregor since joining the UFC in 2021. Although Chandler’s UFC run has been prolific, with five bouts under his belt, he is yet to achieve his goal of fighting the Irishman.

The pair, who are both former lightweight champions, are currently coaching opposite each other on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), where coaches are expected to fight at the end of the season. Unfortunately, McGregor’s recent leg break injury against Dustin Poirier means that he is temporarily sidelined, requiring him to undergo six months of testing before being eligible to compete again in the octagon.

The delay in McGregor’s return has led to speculation that the highly anticipated fight between the two former champions may not happen at all. Chandler is, however, optimistic that the fight will eventually take place, stating that he believes McGregor will want to avoid tarnishing his legacy with a failed comeback. At 37 years old, Chandler is aware that he may have to deal with an extended layoff if he is to fulfil his dream of fighting McGregor.

On another note, the issue of fighter pay continues to be a topic of discussion within the MMA community. While the UFC often bears the brunt of criticism regarding fighter pay, other organizations have similarly come under fire for their pay structures. It seems that there is still a long way to go in addressing this contentious issue and ensuring that fighters are paid appropriately for their hard work and dedication to the sport.