Michael Chandler and the success of being patient

The American fighter has broken, by far, his inactivity record for one reason: to have the fight of his life against Conor McGregor.

Víctor Martín J.VictorMartJimFidel RubioUpdate: May 15th, 2024 05:54 EDT0

The UFC is preparing for what could be a unique month of June. After two amazing cards such as UFC 302 (Makhachev vs Poirier) and UFC Saudi Arabia (Chimaev vs Whittaker), the company will also offer the most anticipated fight of the year and probably in its history.

The return of Conor McGregor has created great expectations, proportionally to the fighter’s huge popularity. After almost three years outside the cage, The Notorious will return to the UFC on June 29 at the T-Mobile, in Las Vegas, to face one of the most spectacular fighters in the world, Michael Chandler.

The Nashville-bred fighter is a former Bellator champion and one of the most competitive lightweights in the UFC. At 38 years old, his professionalism and willingness to entertain make him one of the best assets for the company run by Dana White and an almost the perfect opponent for Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon.

He’ll go down in 2. https://t.co/6s7qjc0jg1

— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) May 9, 2024

Michael Chandler: inactive for 20 months

Chandler has been inactive since November 2022. Despite not suffering any injury or apparent setback, the American will be inactive for 20 months before facing McGregor at UFC 303.

For an athlete used to fighting between two and three times a year, it is a long time, but it makes sense given the circumstances.