Michael Chandler has been offered the chance to change sports.
The former three-time Bellator champion has endured a tough run since he transitioned to the UFC where he has suffered four defeats in six Octagon appearances.
‘Iron Mike’ has impressed fans with his wild fighting style, but one of his greatest rivals, Eddie Alvarez, has been frustrated watching him in MMA’s premier promotion.
Michael Chandler went 1-1 with ‘The Underground King’ in Bellator title fights before Philadelphia’s favorite MMA fighter became a UFC champion and famously fought Conor McGregor in November 2016.
Michael Chandler vs Eddie Alvarez III?
Alvarez has transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing since leaving the UFC in 2018.
The 40-year-old won his BKFC debut against fellow McGregor KO victim Chad Mendes before suffering a stoppage defeat when he fought Mike Perry in December 2023.
On January 25, Alvarez will throw down with ex-UFC fighter Jeremy Stephens at BKFC KnuckleMania 5, which will take place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
The 40-fight MMA veteran believes that one more loss could see Chandler get cut from the UFC – but it wouldn’t be all bad as they could finally settle their rivalry once and for all.
“If you ask him, he’s underperformed,” Alvarez told MMA Junkie.
“He’ll know the reason for that or whatever the reasons are, but for sure I think he has all the tools to win the UFC title. It’s a matter of whether he uses the tools he has, and I don’t think he has properly, and I don’t know why.
“It’s very frustrating for me to watch because I know what he’s capable of, and what kind of grit and champion spirit he has.
“I think it’s more of him tweaking the way he fights and using the weapons that he has. He just doesn’t use them, and it’s frustrating for me to watch, to be honest with you.
“I think it’s frustrating for a lot of people who are fans of him who want him to win because he can. He just doesn’t use the stuff that God’s given to him. He doesn’t use his wrestling at all, and it’s very dominant. He’s a very strong guy.”
“Let’s let him fight again, and if he’s on the same trajectory and he loses again, he can maybe get cut, and then just come over to Bare Knuckle and let’s do it with no gloves.
“I think that’s the kind of violence this world needs right now.”
What’s next for Michael Chandler?
Chandler has spent the past two years chasing a fight with McGregor.
The 38-year-old finally got tired of waiting, so he took an interim bout with Charles Oliveira, who beat him by unanimous decision at UFC 309 in November.
After that, Chandler turned his attention back to McGregor. Unfortunately for the American, it now seems that he’s been snubbed by the Irishman once again.
‘Notorious’ is currently in talks for an exhibition boxing bout with Logan Paul.
What seemingly started as Twitter chatter has quickly become a real possibility, meaning Chandler will have to begin searching for a new opponent to face in 2025.
The only thing clear right now is that his next fight will be in the UFC.
After that, he could make a charge at Islam Makhchev’s lightweight championship or switch lanes by taking off the gloves for a third fight with Alvarez.
Whatever happens, the last few years of Chandler’s career are sure to be exciting.
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