Michael Chandler endured a grueling five-round fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, suffering significant injuries including a knee issue, and is now eyeing a potential future bout with Conor McGregor.
Michael Chandler faced a real challenge against Charles Oliveira. Last Saturday, in the co-main event of UFC 309, Chandler went head-to-head with Oliveira, only to lose by decision after a grueling five-round battle. This marked Chandler’s first fight in two years, and the former Bellator lightweight champ had a rough re-entry into the octagon. On Wednesday, he shared his thoughts on Bussin’ With The Boys.
“My body is jacked,” Chandler confessed. “But my heart? It’s full. Let’s start there—my heart is full. … Happy to be home, really. I had an amazing training camp; we went to war and did our thing.”
Chandler described the fight as the most painful experience of his life. “The most injuries I’ve had in a fight, for sure,” he explained. “Peed blood, inflammation everywhere, my whole body swollen. … The first [blood in my urine] was light during my drug test… but later it looked like beet juice. Dark.”
Adding to his woes, Chandler revealed a knee injury early in the match. He suspected it happened during a first-round exchange, which significantly affected his performance.
“I think something happened to the knee in that first exchange when he had the leg,” Chandler said. “I did a full 360; he did a kneebar thing. When I got back to the stool, my left leg wasn’t working right—it was unstable.”
He continued, “Moving backwards was fine, but moving forward was off. Even if you watch the fifth round… pursuing him, my leg was flopping instead of stalking forward.”
Chandler hasn’t had an MRI yet but plans to soon before deciding on his next steps. He’s eyeing a return next summer and hopes it’s against Conor McGregor.
“Looks like Conor’s next,” Chandler stated. “Not saying it’s certain, but if he does come back, his road goes through Nashville, Tennessee.”
Chandler added, “Conor wants to fight me; he’s committed. Without the UFC, he’s nothing—he knows that.”
“I think he wants to honor his commitment,” Chandler mused. “And if he does return, I’m ready—one of the top draws in the UFC. People will pay good money to watch me fight.”