Michael Chandler opens up on potentially facing Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, or Max Holloway next

Michael Chandler still has his eyes set on Conor McGregor despite the numerous setbacks their matchup has experienced. 'Iron' had a recent sitdown on the latest edition of The Ariel Helwani Show, where he spoke about potential matchups that could lined up next.

While McGregor is his main focus, Chandler also set his sights on two men associated with the 'BMF' belt, including its current owner Max Holloway and the first-ever 'BMF' champion Jorge Masvidal. He said:

"Obviously, the Max Holloway 'BMF' belt. He's now a lightweight. Jorge Masvidal has said my name numerous times. Anybody inside the top five, top 10 at lightweight. There's a lot of different, huge matchups. There's a lot of different, huge fights. Obviously, the fight that makes the most sense is Chandler versus [Conor] McGregor to finish 'The Ultimate Fighter 31.'"

Check out Michael Chandler outlining his sought-after matchups (28:17):

A 'BMF' title fight with Holloway would be ideal for Chandler as well as for Holloway. Meanwhile, a bout with Masvidal is far more unlikely given the latter's status as a retired fighter. Even though Masvidal has expressed an interest in returning to the UFC, that interest does not appear to be mutual.

There's good reason for the UFC's reluctance to welcome him back into the fold. Masvidal spent much of his career as a journeyman armed with serviceable skill but defined by an unremarkable record. Then, in 2019, he went on an unprecedented three-fight win streak that saw him enjoy superstar success.

However, it was short-lived and he subsequently lost four consecutive fights. At 38 years old and on a four-fight losing streak, he retired and the UFC made no fuss about convincing him to stay. Unfortunately for Chandler, his other preferred matchup with McGregor is similarly unlikely.

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Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor has faced numerous delays

Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor have been linked to each other since filming 'The Ultimate Fighter 31' in early 2023. They were expected to meet in a matchup to close out their saga. However, McGregor faced issues with USADA and they persisted throughout, with many false return dates reported.

Eventually, a UFC 303 date was officially announced a year later. However, Chandler's misfortune continued as McGregor withdrew from the card two weeks before the fight, citing a broken toe. Thereafter, 'Iron' took on Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 309, losing via unanimous decision.

The matchup with McGregor has been in limbo, and many have expressed doubt over McGregor ever fighting again.