Will Dana White sign off on this latest Michael Chandler fight?
The UFC boss has already pushed back on Chandler’s top target for 2026, with the veteran lightweight still chasing Conor McGregor three years after their matchup was first discussed.
The two coached opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023, but McGregor withdrew from the planned 2024 fight due to a toe injury.
Since then, the UFC has not revisited the matchup, and White recently dismissed it as an option for the upcoming event at the White House in June.
Chandler is still holding out hope that White will come around. He has not given up on a fight he has been waiting years to make happen. But while he waits, there could be another opportunity taking shape over in the wrestling world.
Michael Chandler responds to Arman Tsarukyan’s wrestling challenge
Chandler has not fought since his loss to Paddy Pimblett in April 2024, but he recently stepped back into combat sports by returning to his wrestling background.
The 39-year-old made his debut with Real American Freestyle earlier this month, picking up a win over Chad Mendes at the promotion’s fifth event.
He seems intent on staying active under the RAF banner, and a new opportunity has already come up. UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has called him out for a match.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said: “I saw somebody comment the other day, ‘Man, Arman’s done a really good job of staying relevant during this time.’ I get it. He talks about everybody. He’s saying my name.
“One thing I will say about Arman, the dude has stayed busy with these grappling matches. I watched him wrestle live at RAF; he did a great job there.
“I think I am interested (in facing Tsarukyan). My plan A, the one thing I’m focused on, is fighting at the White House.
“His future is somewhat up in the air. Mine’s up in the air as well, but less up in the air than his is.
“Who knows. But yeah, I’ll wrestle against him.”
Arman Tsarukyan linked to Dustin Poirier wrestling bout
Tsarukyan’s next wrestling match may not be against Chandler.
Talks are reportedly underway for a potential bout with Dustin Poirier, which would take place under the Hype FC banner.
No further details have emerged since Hype FC CEO Armand Martirosian first mentioned the discussions in an interview on Jason Takhtadjian’s YouTube channel.
Poirier and Chandler have their own history, having faced off at Madison Square Garden back in late 2022. ‘The Diamond’ came out on top that night at UFC 281 and later accused Chandler of fish-hooking during the bout
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