Thu Nov 14 08:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Chandler Seeks Redemption Against Oliveira, McGregor Still Looms
**New York City, NY** – Michael Chandler, a fan favorite known for his explosive fighting style and willingness to deliver both entertainment and violence in the octagon, is finally back in the UFC after a two-year hiatus. His return comes in the co-main event of UFC 309 on Saturday night against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
Chandler’s absence was primarily due to his long-awaited showdown with Conor McGregor, which fell through multiple times due to McGregor’s injuries. Despite this setback, Chandler has remained focused and has no ill will towards McGregor or the UFC.
“Conor’s doing his thing, I’m doing my thing, and there are 600 other people on the roster,” Chandler said. “He and she shall just be doing their own thing. And that is it.”
The 38-year-old fighter has taken full responsibility for his decision to wait on the McGregor fight, acknowledging that he could have moved on sooner. “It’s on me. I’m in control of my own career,” Chandler said. “I’ll wait. This is a Michael Chandler decision that I made.”
His upcoming fight against Oliveira represents a chance at redemption. Their previous encounter in 2021 resulted in a second-round stoppage for Oliveira, a loss that Chandler considers the most painful of his career. He hopes to turn the tables this time, using his experience and growth to earn a victory.
“That was probably the most painful point in my career after a loss,” Chandler said. “Because that was my one opportunity, I thought. You never know with this sport, man. It’s the what have you done for me lately business… Charles Oliveira shattered that dream, and now it’s just so serendipitous that now I get this opportunity against him again to right that wrong and get back in the win column.”
A win over Oliveira would catapult Chandler back into the top tier of the lightweight division and potentially put him in line for a title shot against Islam Makhachev. However, the shadow of the McGregor fight still looms large. Despite his current focus on Oliveira, Chandler remains open to the possibility of facing McGregor in the future, should the opportunity arise.
“If he comes back, his road back to the UFC goes through one man. It goes through Nashville, Tennessee, and we have to finish TUF 31. So, I’ll take care of business on Saturday night and see what is next,” Chandler said.
With the return of a fighter as exciting and unpredictable as Michael Chandler, UFC 309 promises to be an action-packed event. The fight against Oliveira will undoubtedly be a highlight, and the potential of a future showdown with Conor McGregor adds further intrigue to the story.
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