Michael Chandler makes surprising admission about waiting for Conor McGregor fight, says he holds no grudge: "Water under the bridge"

Michael Chandler recently became candid about his anticipation for the Conor McGregor fight. Chandler declared that he is prepared to move on and intends to have a significant impact on the promotion, even in light of the failed matchup with McGregor.

The two were scheduled to square off after competing in season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, where they were assigned as coaches opposite each other. Unfortunately, a variety of problems, notably McGregor's issues with USADA, prevented their fight from happening in 2023.

The much-awaited welterweight showdown between Chandler and McGregor was ultimately scheduled at UFC 303 this June. However, the Irishman was forced to withdraw from the bout because of a toe injury he suffered during training.

The former Bellator lightweight champion will now face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, against whom he suffered a knockout in the second round at UFC 262 three years ago.

Recently, a fan took to X and complained about McGregor making Chandler wait for their fight, only for it to be canceled. In response, 'Iron' indicated that he had already buried that hatchet and that during his time away from the octagon, the 38-year-old intended to present a new version of himself moving ahead.

He wrote:

''Water under the bridge. I knew all along it was a long shot…I took the time to calibrate and plan this Chandler 2.0 season.''

Astonishingly, Chandler spent two years on the sidelines waiting for the McGregor fight despite believing it was unlikely to materialize. However, the American still feels that he will be the one to face 'The Notorious' when the latter returns to the octagon. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Chandler stated:

"I still stand firm in the notion that Conor McGregor is coming back... But it's not gonna be my next fight. I am Conor's next fight, but he is not my next fight. I'm willing to go bet it all."

Check out Michael Chandler's comments below (6:51):

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Michael Chandler has no animosity towards Conor McGregor despite their unsuccessful matchup

Michael Chandler recently disclosed that he decided to wait for the Conor McGregor fight, adding that despite his failed matchup with McGregor, he holds no grudges toward the Irishman.

In the aforementioned interview with MMA Fighting, Chandler stated:

''I don't blame him for anything, I really don't. ... I did all this to myself...I put myself in this position. It was a position I wanted to be in, it was a decision that I made."

Check out Michael Chandler's comments below: