Michael Chandler opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for his highly anticipated fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 303, only to have it canceled due to McGregor's injury. Despite the setback, Chandler remains optimistic and determined, refusing to let the delay dampen his spirit. Read more about Chandler's reaction and outlook on the situation.
Michael Chandler’s patience is being pushed to its limits. It’s been 584 days since we last saw him in the Octagon, and his long-awaited fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 303 was scrapped just weeks before the event due to McGregor’s injury. As rumors of McGregor's withdrawal spread, Chandler continued his rigorous training at Kill Cliff FC, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
The news hit Chandler hard, right at the end of a grueling training camp. Reflecting on the moment, Chandler shared in an Instagram video, “Got the rug pulled out from underneath me at the last possible moment. I just got done with my last sparring session Thursday morning. Had been hearing rumblings since Monday, but really got the call about an hour after my last sparring session was completed, an hour after a celebration."
Chandler described the emotional rollercoaster of going from peak physical condition to learning that his efforts might have been in vain.
With no new date or contract for a rescheduled matchup, Chandler’s future remains uncertain. Despite the delay, Chandler stays hopeful and resilient, thriving in the face of unpredictability. "So, what do I do now? A little bit of uncertainty in my life. When’s this fight gonna happen? What date would it be rebooked for? What venue? How bad is the injury?" Chandler expressed his readiness to adapt and overcome.
Chandler doesn’t want sympathy; he wants determination and inspiration. "Don’t you dare disrespect me by feeling sorry for me," he asserted. "Be emboldened by my situation. Be emboldened by my steadfastness and my movability of hitching my dreams to a shooting star and continuing to move forward."
In true Chandler fashion, he concluded his message with optimism and resilience, promising, “See you at the top.”
For the full story and the latest updates on the Chandler-McGregor saga, click here.