With rumors circulating that the UFC 309 co-main event between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler is in jeopardy, several lightweight contenders have thrown their name in the hat, one being Dustin Poirier.
After making the decision to not wait any longer for Conor McGregor to comeback to fighting, Michael Chandler requested a different fight from the UFC and was granted his wish.
The promotion set up a rematch between him and Charles Oliveira, and allegedly told ‘Iron’ Mike that if he beats ‘Do Bronx’ he will be next in line to fight for the lightweight title.
Rumors circulate that the UFC 309 co-main event between Chandler and Oliveira is in jeopardy
Despite UFC 309 being just over a week away, rumors have begun to circulate that the co-main event between Chandler and Oliveira is in jeopardy because of a withdrawal.
This past Wednesday, social media began to blow up with the news that Chandler had withdrawn from his fight against Oliveira and that the promotion were looking for a replacement for the former Brazilian champion.
However, Oliveira commented on the rumors with a confused face emoji, suggesting that he had no idea where the rumors had circulated from.
Former UFC star, Chael Sonnen, took to his YouTube channel to try a decipher the rumors, stating that he had heard that the fight was in jeopardy.
Later on Wednesday evening, award winning MMA journalist, Ariel Helwani provided some clarity on the situation during The Ariel Helwani Show: “Based on the conversations I’ve had, the fight is not in jeopardy.
“I don’t know if there is smoke to the fire right now, I reached out to Chandler’s team and was told news to them, typically when something like this happens, there does seem to be smoke to the fire.”
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Dustin Poirier and other UFC lightweight contender offer to fight on short notice
With the status of the Oliveira and Chandler fight currently unknown, former title challenger and foe of both fighters, Dustin Poirier, has offered to step in on short notice to fight either fighter.
Following his UFC 302 loss to Islam Makhachev, ‘The Diamond’ teased at retirement, but shortly after decided that he was going to fight at least once more, highlighting a potential rematch against Justin Gaethje as his ideal retirement fight.
However, chomping at the bit to get back into the Octagon without having to endure a tumultuous camp, the Louisianan commented: “Charles really out vs Muscle Milk Mike?? I’m in.”
Despite that, Poirier wasn’t the only lightweight to offer his services on short notice as the surging Renato Moicano also threw his name in the hat.
“Chandler or Charles out? Call me, I fight in 10 days! Time is money,” Moicano tweeted on X.
For now, though, the co-main event between Oliveira and Chandler goes ahead on November 17 from Madison Square Garden, in New York.
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