MMA News Roundup: Michael Chandler Agrees to Fight Conor McGregor on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296; Francis Ngannou Hits Back at Dana White & Co.; UFC Loses Longtime Staff Member Kevin Lynch

There have been countless events in the world of MMA over the last 24 hours. However, some fans could’ve missed out on some of the most significant events in the sport. As a result, we bring to you another edition of the daily round-up so that you may stay up to date on news concerning one of the world’s best combat sports disciplines. Take a few moments to ensure you don’t miss anything.

First off, we will start with Michael Chandler‘s reaction to Conor McGregor, confirming the status of their potential bout. Then we will move on to Francis Ngannou and how the UFC is trying to erase him from their history. Then we will wrap up our news compilation with Dana White‘s promotion of losing one of its longtime staff members.

Michael Chandler sends a message after Conor McGregor confirmed their bout

‘The Notorious’ created a wave of headlines last weekend. He attended British boxer Anthony Joshua‘s match against Robert Helenius and even performed some antics after the fight. However, when he addressed the situation of his potential Michael Chandler fight, he told ‘TalkSport’, “December, [Michael] Chandler. I have to [fight him].”

Conor McGregor feels obliged to fight ‘Iron’ since it was already the initial idea for his comeback. Chandler took no time in responding to the Irishman’s confirmation. He took to X (Twitter) and shared a 5-word reply: “December sounds perfect to me…”

READ MORE: “I’ve Got Connor [McGregor] on My D***”: KSI Makes a Wild Comeback After Conor McGregor Launches a “Bareknuckle” Call Out

However, the confirmation has raised concerns over McGregor’s USADA omission. Some speculate that the former double champion may get an exemption, similar to Brock Lesnar at UFC 200. Regardless, details about the date are yet to be officially confirmed by the execs and Dana White. The fight is expected to take place at UFC 296 and we’ll have to wait to see if it happens or not.

Is the UFC trying to erase Francis Ngannou from its history? ‘The Predator’ Reacts

When Francis Ngannou left the UFC earlier this year, it left a bad taste in Dana White’s mouth. They publicly made alleged claims regarding ‘The Predator’s contract situation and Dana White even barred him from ever coming back. However, the UFC recently pulled a stunt that has people believing that the promotion is trying to erase Ngannou from its history.

The incident in question is from UFC Vegas 78. Cameroonian fighter Tafon Nchukwi came out to fight A.J. Dobson. He lost the fight by decision, but that wasn’t the issue. As Nchukwi was walking out to the Octagon, a small text graphic claimed that he was the first Cameroonian to ever fight in the UFC.

It has garnered a lot of attention from the MMA community, which believes that Dana White was trying to throw shade at the former heavyweight champion. Moreover, Ngannou clapped back the promotion, warning them not to misinform the fans. ‘The Predator’ mentioned that he was the second Cameroonian after Thierry Sokoudjou fought in the UFC.

UFC loses lead photographer

Kevin Lynch is not a name synonymous with fighting. Rather, he was a photographer who worked with the UFC for over two decades. Lynch was one of the people whose work revolved around making people believe that there was more to MMA than just bloodshed and beatdowns. He wanted to remove all notions that lead people to think that MMA only offers brutality.

His work showcased the life of a fighter – the moments before and after the fight and their physical and mental transformations. Kevin Lynch has worked with many fighters like Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes, Tito Ortiz, and Ken Shamrock, just to name a few. Meanwhile, Dana White, in recognition of the 21 years he’s worked with the promotion, shared a message on Instagram after his sad demise. It is still uncertain as to what led to his passing. However, the UFC president has made sure that people remember him for his work.

WATCH THIS STORY: 5 times Israel Adesanya obliterated his opponents inside the Octagon