BMF? Michael Chandler hints at Max Holloway showdown after Conor McGregor fight at UFC 303 falls apart

Michael Chandler might have no choice but to move on from his long-awaited match up against Conor McGregor. A good alternative never hurts.

International Fight Week 2024 was supposed to be the big return for both of the Lightweight stars. Unfortunately, McGregor recently suffered an injury, canceling the clash at UFC 303 next weekend (Sat., June 29, 2024).

Chandler’s hiatus from the Octagon has come as a result of holding out for the McGregor bout. The former three-time Bellator titleholder last fought when he lost by third round rear-naked choke against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022 (watch highlights). When asked today (Thurs., June 20, 2024) on Twitter about a fight with the Baddest Motherf—ker (BMF) champion, Max Holloway, Chandler responded with a salute emoji and some additional hints that he’s interested in the pairing.

Holloway claimed his current crown in an instant classic at UFC 300 against one of Chandler’s past foes, Justin Gaethje, in April 2024. Returning to Lightweight, the former Featherweight champion defied the odds and put on a masterful performance that ended with an iconic final-second knockout (watch highlights).

A title shot at 145 pounds against the champion, Ilia Topuria, has seemed to be the clear next option for Holloway, or at least his desired next move. However, UFC CEO, Dana White, revealed at UFC 302 earlier this month (June 1, 2024) that the promotion is working on the next BMF title fight.

Should Chandler compete for a title his next time out, it would be his second in UFC after his failed bid at undisputed gold against Charles Oliveira in May 2021. “Iron” lost the bout via a second round technical knockout.

Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 303 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET), before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 303: “Alex vs. Jiri 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.