Michael Chandler has revealed that he has been offered a fight against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in October but is prioritizing a potential September bout with Conor McGregor, if the Irishman is fit to return.
The 38-year-old American was originally slated to face McGregor at UFC 303 last week, but the matchup was cancelled after the 35-year-old pulled out due to a broken toe.
Chandler has challenged McGregor to a rescheduled contest at Noche UFC on September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
“I’ve been offered Islam Makhachev in October – but if Conor McGregor’s little pinky toe is ready by September, let’s do Sphere,” Chandler posted on X. “Biggest sporting event in history of sports!”
McGregor, a former featherweight and lightweight champion, has stated he will be back soon following his injury, though UFC president Dana White remains uncertain about his return. McGregor expressed his frustration over missing UFC 303, where Alex Pereira defended his light-heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka.
Chandler has not fought since his defeat by Dustin Poirier in November 2022, having been waiting for the McGregor fight. A bout with Russian champion Makhachev would mark his second attempt at a UFC title, following his loss to Charles Oliveira in 2021. Makhachev, 32, recently defended his belt against Poirier, while lightweight number one contender Arman Tsarukyan is currently serving a nine-month suspension for an altercation with a fan.