Michael Chandler must catch on to UFC's hidden message in Islam Makhachev fight offer, says Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen recently called on Michael Chandler to decipher the UFC's intentions behind the fight offer with Islam Makhachev. Chandler was set to face Conor McGregor at UFC 303 last month, but 'The Notorious' had to withdraw after breaking his toe three weeks prior to the event.

The bout has not been rescheduled, and UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that McGregor won't return to the octagon before November. 'Iron' has been eagerly awaiting a showdown against the former UFC two-division champion for nearly two years.

However, last week, he revealed that he had been offered a title bout against the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Makhachev, in October.

While the UFC has not yet commented on Chandler's claim of a fight offer, October is the targeted date for an event in Abu Dhabi featuring Makhachev. Initially, Arman Tsarukyan seemed poised for the 155-pound title shot. However, it now appears that Chandler may jump to the front of the line on the condition that he forgoes the highly anticipated fight against McGregor.

During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen suggested that if Chandler is being presented with a bout against the Dagestani, it could be the UFC's subtle way of indicating that he will never get the chance to fight 'The Notorious':

"If Michael Chandler is offered to fight Islam Makhachev, there is a message being delivered to him that he has got to be able to hear. The words, 'We cannot get you Conor McGregor. We are not going to get you, Conor McGregor. We are not going to rebook you and Conor McGregor.'"

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (2:04):

'Iron' previously acknowledged that he would soon need to decide whether to keep waiting for the Irishman. Chandler has been inactive for nearly two years, eagerly anticipating the McGregor fight.

His last bout in the octagon was at UFC 281 in November 2022, where he experienced a submission defeat against Dustin Poirier.

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Ariel Helwani disputes rumor regarding Michael Chandler's UFC lightweight title shot

Ariel Helwani rejected the speculation that Michael Chandler has secured a UFC lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev following the cancellation of his bout with Conor McGregor.

During a recent episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani highlighted that the UFC has different plans for Makhachev's next title defense. He emphasized that the promotion still intends to book the bout between McGregor and Chandler:

"He [Chandler] is the ultimate company guy. Michael Chandler is not breaking the news that he's been offered a title fight on his Twitter. He's keeping that under wraps if it is, in fact, true. This is all part of the game."

Check out Ariel Helwani's comments below: