Michael Chandler prepared to move on from Conor McGregor if necessary

Regardless of highway block after highway black getting in the way in which, the everlasting optimist in Michael Chandler nonetheless believes he’ll meet Conor McGregor contained in the octagon, however that’s in regards to the extent of his confidence stage that the largest battle of his profession occurs.

Ever since McGregor pulled out of their UFC 303 headliner due to a damaged pinky toe on simply 4 weeks’ discover, followers and pundits alike have contemplated the way forward for the UFC’s greatest star and whether or not or not it features a battle with Chandler, who now says he’s OK with the very actual chance {that a} McGregor showdown received’t ever come to fruition.

“I’m an optimist by default, so I do imagine the Conor battle will occur, however proper now we’re in a interval the place issues are being talked about,” Chandler mentioned in an interview with Fortunate Block. “What date? Is it Conor? Is it pivoting to a distinct battle? Is it making the most effective resolution for me and my household? I like the concept that Conor and I did ‘The Final Fighter,’ we had a coaching camp, we signed on the dotted line. However as a lot as I respect Conor, my legacy will not be hinged upon this battle.”

To that finish, Chandler may need a degree. In any case, he was three-time Bellator light-weight champion whereas serving because the face of the promotion. And within the latter stage of his profession, Chandler has made a splash within the UFC since his promotional debut in 2021, going 2-3 whereas solidifying a repute as an all-action fighter. It’s why he landed a spot as a coach on “The Final Fighter 31” reverse McGregor and presumably secured a battle with him.

But when the battle doesn’t occur, properly, “so be it” seems to sum up the place Chandler stands. He’s prepared to maneuver on if needed.

“I’m working my very own race, and I’m persevering with to maneuver ahead,” Chandler mentioned. “I’m on the level now the place we’re taking a look at all the choices and never simply preventing Conor. Issues transfer quick, and the telephone might ring at any time. I don’t need to make it sound like I’m not centered on preventing Conor, however proper now when no contract is signed, I’m excited to battle. I’m coaching every single day, and I’m in the most effective form that I’ve been in a really very long time, and I’m able to go on the market whether or not it’s Conor or another person. There’s at all times going to be life after Conor if this battle by no means involves fruition. …

“I’ve at all times felt that if the Conor battle didn’t occur, I’m going to be simply advantageous, and I’ll put butts in seats, and I’ll promote pay-per-views, and I’ll entertain the complete world once I step contained in the octagon.”

Although he feels at peace if the McGregor battle by no means occurs, Chandler’s unquestioned hope is that it nonetheless does earlier than the top of the 12 months.

“December’s obtained me and Conor written throughout it. That’s after we ought to battle,” Chandler mentioned. “It’s sufficient time for him to have healed up and get again right into a coaching camp. December makes loads of sense. Individuals love the violence that I carry to the octagon, and clearly Conor McGregor is the largest title in fight sports activities, so this battle makes a ton of sense. It’s an ideal matchup. There’s just a little little bit of gamesmanship slash dangerous blood, however it’s general respectful, and if Conor and I do battle, I’ll dispatch him and at last put an exclamation mark on this huge saga that’s Chandler vs. Conor.

“However we’re preventing within the UFC, the largest fight sports activities group on the planet by far, and so they have a ton of shifting components. I positively need to battle by the top of the 12 months. That might be ideally suited. That’s at all times the hope. However, man, there’s loads of choices on the market.”