Michael Chandler’s Chances of a Conor McGregor Fight Is Like a ‘Storm in the Sahara Desert’, Says Chael Sonnen

Michael Chandler’s Chances of a Conor McGregor Fight Is Like a Storm in the Sahara Desert

Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, and Chael Sonnen

Michael Chandler’s last fight in the promotion was a third-round submission loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022. Chandler’s long wait was to face Conor McGregor in a big-money fight, which almost came to fruition at UFC 303. The American seems to be waiting yet again for the Irishman. Chael Sonnen, the former three-time title challenger, thinks it’s a bad idea to do so.

“By the end of the year, Michael Chandler will finally assume his new role as a weatherman. I feel that’s what he’s prepping for. Now, picture this: he’s asking for a fight with Conor McGregor that simply can’t happen,” Chael Sonnen said on the latest episode of the Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast, admitting it was also noble of Chandler to wait.

“Picture Michael Chandler wearing rain gear—the yellow jacket, the hood is up, he’s got a microphone, and he’s broadcasting a potential storm coming while he’s standing in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Because that is as much opportunity as he’s going to have to fight Conor McGregor,” Sonnen added, urging the former Bellator lightweight champion to move on.

What Are the Other Options for Michael Chandler?

Dustin Poirier recently said on the MMA Hour that it was not wise of Chandler, who is 38, to wait for the McGregor fight. However, he admitted that Chandler would benefit financially if the fight materialized. Moreover, he agreed with the Irishman’s claim that the American’s potential fight purse against him was 10 times his normal purse.

If the McGregor fight doesn’t happen, Islam Makhachev and Max Holloway are potential opponents for ‘Iron.’ The 38-year-old recently revealed that the UFC offered him a title shot against Makhachev. Moreover, he also expressed interest in a BMF title fight against Holloway.

Will either of those fights materialize? Not likely. Makhachev will likely fight Arman Tsarukyan next. As for Holloway, he will likely fight Ilia Topuria, the featherweight champion.