Despite his constant losing streak under the UFC banner, it is undeniable that few fighters possess the same level of entertainment value as former Bellator champion Michael Chandler. His last bout against Charles Oliveira emerged as a black mark on his fighting record, but it sent his stock soaring in terms of sports entertainment. As the fight neared its conclusion, Joe Rogan couldn’t help but admire Chandler’s raw strength.

Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira II was nothing but an absolute cinema. We witnessed the ferocity of Charles Oliveira, the absolute beast strength of Chandler, as well as the enthralling noise of the enthusiastic crowd. ‘Do Bronx’ dominated the former Bellator champion throughout the match, but the last round raised excitement as Chandler nearly knocked Oliveira out. However, despite that, the former UFC lightweight champion escaped Chandler’s clutches and attempted a last-second submission.

Oliveira had Chandler’s back, attempting to submit him, but ‘Iron’ stood up twice and slammed ‘Do Bronx’ to the canvas. The moment was enough to make Joe Rogan exclaim, “Wow.” Months after the fight, the video resurfaced again and Chandler put out a heartwarming message for the color commentator. He said, “Just saw this for the first time. I have always felt like I was put on this planet to put smiles on faces and make people feel something. This video made me happy,” wrote Chandler on his X handle.

Joe Rogan expressed his amazement as Michael Chandler picked up Charles Oliveira twice and slammed him onto the canvas. “He’s standing up again! He is a savage! Look how strong Michael Chandler is—unbelievable, unbelievable! He is so strong!” As the final bell rang, Oliveira celebrated his victory but ‘Iron’ was happy as he showed everyone why his fights were entertaining.

Well, now that Michael Chandler refused to wait for Conor McGregor, what’s next for the former Bellator champion? Who will be his next opponent? According to ‘Iron’, he would love to lock horns against Paddy Pimblett.

Michael Chandler eyes a clash against rising star Paddy Pimblett after UFC 309

While conversing with Sean O’Malley’s head coach, Tim Welsh, the former Bellator champion, emphasized that after a string of defeats, he is looking to make a comeback to the MMA arena by winning his next battle but wait who will be his opponent? Well, the former Bellator has set his eyes on Paddy Pimblett, who has been undefeated in his UFC career.

I definitely think that it’s possible at this point [Talking about a fight with Paddy Pimblett], Paddy is definitely a possibility – it’s a big fight, it’s a fun fight, and it’s a fight that I like stylistically. Not to take anything away from him but when you’ve fought Poirier, you’ve fought Gaethje, you’ve fought Oliveira, you’ve fought Dan Hooker–fighting Paddy Pimblett sounds like a fun day at the office compared to some of those [other names],” said Michael Chandler.

Michael Chandler has options now, but UFC CEO Dana White might have to agree to them. Regardless, who do you think would be the most preferred opponent for ‘Iron’? State your thoughts in the comments below.