At last, what MMA fans feared has come to pass. The #6 UFC lightweight contender, who had been eagerly awaiting a ‘Red Panty Night’ matchup against former dual champion Conor McGregor, has decided to move on. In a recent interview with Spinnin Backfist, UFC head honcho Dana White revealed Chandler’s decision, which could definitely be seen as a disappointment for MMA fans. White quoted ‘Iron’ as saying, “I’m done waiting. I want to fight.” Chandler later confirmed that he will face Charles Oliveira at UFC’s upcoming event at Madison Square Garden in the Fall.

This announcement has raised eyebrows in the combat sports industry, initially thought to be a ploy by White to hype up the fight. However, ‘Do Bronx,’ who had remained tight-lipped, has now come forward and weighed in on the ongoing rumors about the matchup.

Charles Oliveira has finally unsealed his lip

Charles Oliveira recently took to Instagram to confirm his upcoming lightweight battle against Michael Chandler. He shared, “Say my family, the moment we have all been waiting for so long already has a date, it’s November 16, 2024 you can be sure that Charles Oliveira and Charles from the Bronxs Lightweight Lion will be more ready than ever to put on that show for all of you!” ‘Do Bronx’ further asked for support from fans worldwide, stating, “ALL HONOR AND GLORY TO GOD LET’S GO FOR ANOTHER WAR I ALWAYS COUNT ON THE FANS OF ALL OF YOU!”

Since his disappointing defeat against Arman Tsarukyan at the historic UFC 300, ‘Do Bronx’ has stayed out of the spotlight until UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker called him out as his next potential opponent after delivering a stunning performance at UFC 304 in Perth.

However, Oliveira’s recent social media post about fighting Michael Chandler on the same card where Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are rumored to settle their unfinished business has definitely poured cold water on both Hooker’s and Conor McGregor’s intentions. With Dubliner’s name now in the mix, you’re probably wondering what he has to say about Michael Chandler’s decision, well, scroll down to find out.

Conor McGregor reacted to Chandler picking Oliveira over him

Since the conclusion of TUF 31 in 2023, Michael Chandler has been waiting for Conor McGregor to return to the Octagon, earning him the nickname ‘Hachiko’ from his critics, a loyal dog waiting for his master until death. However, ‘Notorious’ seemed unaffected, as he was busy with his party life and Holloway endeavors. Later, McGregor’s pinky toe injury just before their scheduled fight at UFC 303 tested Chandler’s patience. After enduring McGregor’s delays, ‘Iron’ decided to move on instead of waiting, which hurt McGregor’s ego.

So, how can McGregor let this matter go so easily? Known for his brash personality, McGregor wasted no time taking to social media to express his frustration. In a post, he lashed out at Chandler and Dana White, saying, “Chandler saw that takedown getting stuffed and mauled and officially dipped. Little Fat P***y. I’m at the hard rock hotel Florida for the bare knuckle [Fighting Championship] tonight. Got tested earlier today by DFSI [Drug Free Sport International]. Give me my f***ing date!”

What are your thoughts on the Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler fight? Do you think ‘Iron,’ who has waited almost 18 months for ‘Irishman,’ should have waited a little longer, or did he make the right move? Drop your opinion below.