While Michael Chandler may not be getting the opportunity to face Conor McGregor anytime soon, UFC lightweight contender Terrance “T. Wrecks” McKinney is ready to step in and take on Chandler. McKinney, who has been fighting in the UFC since 2021, considers himself and Chandler to be two of the most explosive fighters in the division.
At 30 years old, McKinney has fought 10 times inside the Octagon, securing six wins along the way. His most recent victory came against Damir Hadzovic, where he won via a stunning first-round knockout. While McKinney is still not ranked in the top 15, a win over Chandler could be the breakthrough he needs to propel himself into that elite group.
On the flip side, Chandler has recently faced setbacks, including a loss to Charles Oliveira and the long wait for a potential fight with Conor McGregor. After the fight was postponed due to the Irishman’s injury, Chandler’s frustration only grew. Now, McKinney has set his sights on Chandler, expressing his desire to face him in the Octagon.
Speaking to Inside Fighting, McKinney said, “That one is hard. Oh with me and Michael Chandler for sure, yeah.” With both fighters known for their explosive styles, a showdown between them could be a thrilling spectacle for fans.
The rising 155fer further added, “In the first round go crazy, I think he is one of the few people I do want to fight though just out of respect. Cause he is such a savage, and I feel like we are so explosive and so crazy in the first round it has no choice but to like be one of the craziest five mains you ever see.”
MMA: UFC 274-Chandler vs Ferguson, May 7, 2022 Phoenix, Arizona, USA Michael Chandler during UFC 274 at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports, 07.05.2022 19:38:19, 18361648, Michael Chandler, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 18361648
However, what does ‘Iron’ think of this? Does he still see a fight against McGregor happening in the future? Chandler, who has expressed interest in facing McGregor for years, remains hopeful that the fight will eventually come to fruition, but with the Irishman’s return timeline still uncertain, it’s hard to say when or if it’ll happen. The future looks interesting for Chandler, but whether McGregor will still be in the picture remains to be seen.
Are we still vying for Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler?
After his loss at UFC 309, Michael Chandler remains hopeful for a showdown against Conor McGregor to finally settle their long-standing rivalry. In a conversation on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Chandler said, “I think me and Conor International Fight Week is the next fight. That’s what I’m throwing out there. I think June, July.”
This match has been building for a while, with UFC 303 nearly making it happen—though we all know what ultimately fell through. So, the question now is: Will Dana White trust McGregor again? White, who has been ambiguous on the topic of the Irishman, hinted in December 2024 that his return bout could finally take place in late 2025.
With both fighters capable of bringing in major revenue for the UFC, if this fight does go down at IFW 2025, it could be an event like no other. What do you think will happen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post “We’re So Explosive” – Left Hanging By Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler Faces Unexpected Callout From Rising UFC Lightweight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
