Thu Nov 14 08:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Chandler Takes the Oliveira Fight, But Still Hopes for McGregor Showdown
**New York, NY** – Former UFC title challenger Michael Chandler will face Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of UFC 309 on November 16th at Madison Square Garden. While Chandler has expressed a desire to fight Conor McGregor for years, he has accepted this fight as a chance to earn a title shot and move on from the seemingly stalled McGregor bout.
Chandler’s decision to take the fight comes after a two-year layoff during which he was initially waiting for McGregor to return. However, when the UFC offered him a fight against Oliveira, who beat him in 2021, Chandler saw the opportunity for a title shot too good to pass up.
“Had the UFC not offered me Oliveira in a No. 1 contender fight, it would have been a hard decision,” Chandler told ESPN. “But once they offered me that, it was an easy decision. I want the Conor fight, I waited for the Conor fight, I deserve and earned the Conor fight, but at some point, you’re like, ‘Well, Oliveira is a great option.'”
While Chandler still believes McGregor will return to the Octagon eventually, he acknowledged that his chances of a McGregor fight diminish if he loses to Oliveira.
“One hundred percent, I have put that fight in jeopardy and almost increased the odds it will never happen by taking this,” Chandler said. “I have given up on it now, to see it come back later. And that’s fine. I’m betting on myself.”
McGregor has not fought since 2021 and has not confirmed his return to the UFC. However, Chandler remains hopeful for the fight, suggesting that McGregor would be more interested in facing him than Oliveira.
The fight between Chandler and Oliveira promises to be an exciting showdown, with both fighters looking to solidify their position in the lightweight division. The outcome could also have significant implications for Chandler’s future and his potential for a McGregor fight.
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