UFC lightweight star Michael Chandler responded to calls to face a former rival in a short-notice rematch at UFC 313.
Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje‘s careers will be forever linked after their instant classic brawl at UFC 268. It’s regarded as one of the greatest fights in UFC history between two of the highest-octane combatants in the lightweight division.
Gaethje notched a win over Chandler in their first fight at UFC 268 by unanimous decision, but Chandler’s stock didn’t slip an inch after the event. Years later, an opportunity is on the table for Gaethje and Chandler to run it back in the Octagon.
Gaethje’s UFC 313 opponent, Dan Hooker, withdrew from the card on Tuesday due to a hand injury. As of this writing, the UFC matchmakers are scrambling to find a potential replacement opponent for Gaethje on days’ notice.
Chandler, who is in fight shape as he prepares for his own return in April, was one of the names mentioned for a potential Hooker replacement.
Michael Chandler responds to calls to fill in at UFC 313 for Justin Gaethje rematch
In a recent post to X, Chandler addressed speculation of a new fight booking after Hooker’s UFC 313 withdrawal.
“I appreciate all the interest…but I’ve got my opponent and my date,” Chandler said. “Gutted for JG…but I know he’s down to fight anyone…we will see him fight at the scheduled date. As for me… UFC 314 gon be [FIRE].”
Luckily, the UFC has a potential alternative option to Chandler for Gaethje’s replacement opponent. Top 10 contender Mateusz Gamrot immediately called out Gaethje on social media after the UFC 313 news broke.
Another former Gaethje rival, Rafael Fiziev, is also reportedly in the mix to fill opposite Gaethje at UFC 313. Gaethje and Fiziev battled at UFC 286 with Gaethje earning a decision win.
Gaethje publically addressed his fans after Hooker’s withdrawal, claiming he’s ‘waiting for a new opponent’. Renato Moicano also expressed interest in another pay-per-view fill after saving the day at UFC 311 last month.
Dan Hooker’s withdrawal adds to short-notice UFC fills to begin 2025
Moicano, who was supposed to face Beneil Dariush at UFC 311, was promoted to the main event slot opposite Islam Makhachev after Arman Tsarukyan suffered a back injury during fight week. Moicano lost by first-round submission in his first career UFC title shot.
Chandler will face Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 314 co-main event in April in a five-round booking. He returns to the Octagon after a loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November.
Despite calls for Chandler to save the UFC 313 co-main event, it appears the promotion will explore alternative avenues to get Gaethje an opponent.
- READ MORE: Dan Hooker’s UFC 313 replacement for Justin Gaethje fight could be top 10 lightweight contender