If Michael Chandler's recent video showcasing his transformation for UFC 309 fails to demonstrate his mindset for the upcoming clash against Charles Oliveira, his latest X post conveys the message effectively. Chandler is set to face Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 309 on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In a recent bold statement on X, Chandler asserted that fans will witness something entirely unprecedented from him in the upcoming fight, describing it as "mind-blowing." He wrote:
"What you will see Nov. 16 will be something you have never seen from me. Something exceptional. Something mind-blowing. Champ in 2025. #ufc309"
Chael Sonnen took to X to drop a three-word reaction to Chandler's statement and wrote:
"I believe this."
Check out Chael Sonnen's X post below:
Chandler views the upcoming bout as a chance for redemption after Oliveira previously defeated him for the vacant title at UFC 262. 'Iron' clarified in a video on his YouTube channel that instead of waiting for a matchup against Conor McGregor that has been fraught with uncertainty, he is prioritizing immediate competition and the opportunity to secure a title shot.
He recognizes that a victory over Oliveira represents a pathway to the top of the lightweight division. He also claimed that he doesn't "need Conor McGregor" to cement his legacy in this sport.
Michael Chandler talks about two-year layoff waiting for the Conor McGregor fight
Michael Chandler is gearing up to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. Despite a disappointing record at Madison Square Garden, Chandler remains optimistic about his chances in the rematch against the Brazilian.
The American sought a matchup against Conor McGregor after their roles as rival coaches on The Ultimate Fighter season 31. However, McGregor was forced to pull out of their UFC 303 clash due to injury. Speaking to the New York Post about his time away from the sport chasing the matchup against 'The Notorious', Chandler said:
“Having that much time off, I needed it. I really needed it. Six training camps in a 26-month period, every single fight was do or die [against] top-three, top-five guy, world title fights, fights of the night, fights of the year. I love the sport; I am so blessed to do the sport of mixed martial arts as a professional and get paid for it and feed my family with it, but it was taking a toll on me. I needed some time off.” [H/t: New York Post]