While Michael Chandler has received criticism for holding out for the Conor McGregor fight, Daniel Cormier has revealed that his decision has delighted the UFC.
The former two-weight champion and MMA analyst insists the company is going to make the wait worth ‘Iron’s’ while.
Daniel Cormier says Michael Chandler is making the right decision to wait for Conor McGregor
Since walking away from Bellator in favor of the UFC, Michael Chandler has given fans a plethora of memorable moments.
From his devastating debut victory over Dan Hooker, to his war of attrition with Justin Gaethje, the American has solidified his status as one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport.
In addition, he’s proven himself as a master of words, adding intrigue to a clash with Conor McGregor.
The pair exchanged brutal insults during an entertaining season of The Ultimate Fighter, which left fans positively salivating at a potential bout to come.
Alas, despite the major match-up being scheduled for UFC 303, due to a broken little toe, the Irishman had to withdraw, leaving Chandler out in the cold.
The talented grappler hasn’t fought since 2022. But rather than set his sights on another opponent, he’s remained hopeful that a clash with McGregor will come to fruition, much to the delight of the UFC.
According to Daniel Cormier, his loyalty could even lead to a shot at the belt against Islam Makhachev.
On an episode of the ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ show, the two-division champion explained: “He is waiting because the organization wants him to wait. The organization wants that to be the fight. That’s the only way he would get a title fight.
“Under these circumstances, he’s doing a solid for the company. He’s waiting, he’s not fighting anybody else, he’s taking his time to try to keep that massive fight together so they go. ‘Okay, that fight’s not happening, we will reward you’.”
Dana White confirms he still wants to stage Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler
While the world anxiously waits for a rescheduled date for the fight they all want to see, for now, all they have is the assurances of the UFC CEO that the match-up will happen.
Currently, Dana White claims he doesn’t have a concrete date in mind. However, he remains transparent that this is the bout he wants to make, and he’ll do his utmost to ensure that combat sports enthusiasts get the brawl they so desperately crave.
In an interview on the Pat McAfee Show, the President of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization gave a much-needed update.
He explained: “Yeah, that’s the fight that needs to happen. We’ve been waiting for it, and it’s an awesome fight. A fun fight.
“As of sitting here right here, right now, no, I don’t have a date for it, a plan, or anything like that.”