Michael Chandler’s Best Route to UFC Gold: Moving Past McGregor

Michael Chandler’s UFC journey has been filled with highs and lows, but he now finds himself at a critical juncture. After waiting over a year for a fight with Conor McGregor, which was pulled at the last minute due to McGregor’s toe injury, Chandler is finally getting back to business. While the “Notorious” one’s antics have kept fans talking, Chandler is now slated for a fight with former UFC lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, at UFC 309.

Despite missing out on the lucrative payday that a McGregor fight would have offered, Chandler is potentially setting himself up for something much greater — a legitimate shot at UFC gold. With Oliveira standing in his way, this could be the perfect opportunity for Chandler to re-establish himself as a serious title contender.

Chandler’s UFC Journey: It’s About the Title, Not the Paycheque

Since his transfer from Bellator, Chandler has consistently expressed his desire to win the UFC lightweight title. While a bout with McGregor would have boosted his profile and bank account, it wouldn’t necessarily have advanced his championship ambitions. As Chandler himself once remarked, “I’m in this to fight the best in the world.”

Facing Oliveira provides a far more direct route to UFC gold. Many still remember their bout in 2021 at UFC 262, where Chandler seemed to be on the verge of victory before the Brazilian pulled off a second-round TKO. Now, with the benefit of experience and a chance to learn from that defeat, Chandler could well upset Oliveira and reclaim his place in the title conversation. His fans and critics alike are eager to see whether the “Iron Mike” who dominated Bellator can shine once again on MMA’s biggest stage.

Could McGregor Still Be in Chandler’s Future?

McGregor may not be part of Chandler’s immediate plans, but that doesn’t mean their paths won’t cross again. If Chandler secures a victory against Oliveira and positions himself as a legitimate title contender, the allure of a McGregor fight could become even stronger.

It’s worth remembering that McGregor has a history of chasing glory, and should Chandler capture the lightweight belt, he could find himself on McGregor’s radar once again. “If Chandler ends up somehow holding the belt… then McGregor will be the one begging for the fight,” said one analyst. Victory against Oliveira could set up an even bigger payday with McGregor, one that Chandler will control.

The Road to UFC Gold Starts with Oliveira

In the end, Chandler’s focus is right where it needs to be: on fighting for the UFC lightweight belt. Oliveira, the former champion, represents the most direct path to that title. Winning this fight would not only cement Chandler’s place in UFC history but also position him as one of the sport’s late-career success stories.

While McGregor has made headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent years, Chandler is on the cusp of securing a legacy based on determination and performance. His fight against Oliveira isn’t just another chance to step into the octagon – it’s an opportunity to prove that he belongs among the elite.