Michael Chandler insists he’s fully fit ahead of UFC 309.
The former three-time Bellator champion is booked to face Charles Oliveira at the UFC’s penultimate pay-per-view show of the year on November 16.
‘Iron’ is looking for revenge against Oliveira, who survived a tough first round before knocking the American out cold when they fought for the UFC lightweight title in May 2021.
However, according to the rumor mill, their rematch is on the verge of being called off.
Michael Chandler addresses UFC 309 concerns
Earlier this week, rumors began to circulate that there were issues on the side of Michael Chandler and that the promotion was looking for a last-minute replacement.
Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano tossed their names in the hat, stating that they would step in on short notice to fight in the UFC 309 co-main event.
Chandler has now issued a social media statement addressing the rumor.
The 38-year-old insists he’s fully fit and ready to take on Oliveira next weekend.
Chandler said in a gym video on Instagram: “By the way, the entire MMA world right now, I am healthy, wealthy and wise.
“I’ve never missed weight. I’ve never pulled out of a fight. I work too damn hard to get injured or not show up for you guys. I’ll see you there November 16.
“Like always, the most reliable guy in the sport. God bless. See you at the top.”
Charles Oliveira breaks his silence
Chandler’s post came soon after Oliveira addressed the rumor that the UFC 309 co-main event was about to fall through.
“We think it’s gonna happen, dude, I’m ready, I’m almost traveling, I’m about to go (to New York),” Oliveira told New York Post Sports.
He added: “I’m gonna start doing the same thing when I see there’s a fight about to fall or something like that, I’m like, ‘Hey dude I’m here’, I’m gonna do the same thing, man.”
Now that speculation is over, both men can focus on the task at hand.
A potential fight with 155lb king Islam Makhachev is at stake, but first, he will defend his title against top contender Arman Tsarukyan in a fight that is expected to take place in January.
Only time will tell who he will face after that. The winner of Oliveira vs Chandler 2 will certainly be in the perfect position to call Makhachev out.