The potential grudge match between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has become one of the most talked-about storylines in MMA. As Conor McGregor’s UFC return is uncertain, Michael Chandler is exploring options.
Daniel Cormier, a seasoned voice in the world of MMA, recently weighed in on the ongoing saga between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. Drawing a parallel to an “MMA Soap Opera,” Cormier’s insights provide a unique perspective on the dynamics at play.
Cormier compares Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler to MMA Soap Opera
The drama began when Chandler called out McGregor after his knockout win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 274 last May. Chandler has continued angling for the super fight, though McGregor is still recovering from a leg injury.
Cormier believes that Chandler is so hung up on Conor that he might be jeopardizing his career. Cormier says that Chandler is looking way too desperate to fight McGregor, which doesn’t make sense anymore.
“This whole thing is just like a soap opera… a mixed martial arts soap opera,” Cormier said. “Mike has been constantly chasing Conor. It is to the point now where — I don’t like saying this, because Chandler’s one of my buddies — it’s almost desperate to fight Conor McGregor. Because, at every single step, he has agreed, he has said, ‘Okay,’ he has made concessions. He has almost agreed and done anything he possibly can to ensure that fight still happens. McGregor, for his part, keeps playing him to the left.”
“I only believe he’s doing that and is comfortable doing that because of the behaviors that Mike is showing. Mike keeps showing him that regardless of what he gives him, he’s going to accept it,” Cormier continued. “Mike just keeps accepting this behavior. At some point, Chandler’s gonna have to say, ‘To hell with it, I’m moving on.’ … It (the fight) ain’t gonna happen… Publicly state that you are not desperate for this fight. Right now, you’ve essentially given him (McGregor) all the power.”
Chandler chasing McGregor and him not showing any interest and not putting in any efforts is like a soap opera, where the boy is interested and the girl isn’t interested in the boy and is just ignoring him.
Cormier suggests that if this fight happens, it’s great, but if it continues to be delayed, then Chandler should stand his ground and say that I don’t want Conor, give me anyone, I will fight anyone.
Chandler wants Diaz if McGregor doesn’t comeback to UFC
With the Conor McGregor fight in limbo, Michael Chandler sets his sights on a potential matchup with Diaz. A few days ago, Nate Diaz made a post on X looking for an opponent in UFC 300, to which Chandler’s reply raised eyebrows.
From his reply, it looks like he has moved on from Conor McGregor due to his stalling. Michael Chandler now looks ready to fight any opponent in the Octagon.
With McGregor inactive and Chandler coming off a defeat against Porier, Cormier believes it’s time to shelf the drama and get back to basics. That may require Chandler to ignore the allure of a massive event with the sport’s biggest star in order to rebuild his contender status first.
