Michael Chandler has been given the opportunity to change sports.
The former three-time Bellator champion has endured a rough patch since moving to the UFC, where he suffered four losses in six Octagon appearances.
'Iron Mike' has impressed fans with his wild fighting style, but one of his biggest rivals, Eddie Alvarez, is frustrated watching him in MMA's premier promotion.
Michael Chandler went 1-1 with 'The Underground King' in Bellator title fights before Philadelphia's favorite MMA fighter became a UFC champion, fighting Conor McGregor in November 2015.
Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez III?
Alvarez has transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing since leaving the UFC in 2018.
The 40-year-old won his BKFC debut against fellow McGregor KO victim Chad Mendes before suffering a defeat when he fought Mike Perry in December 2023.
On January 25, Alvarez will crash alongside ex-UFC fighter Jeremy Stephens at BKFC KnuckleMania 5, which will take place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
The 40-fight MMA veteran believes Chandler could be ejected from the UFC with one more loss – but that wouldn't be all bad if they could finally settle their rivalry once and for all.
“If you ask him, he's underperforming,” Alvarez told MMA Junkie.
“He will know the reason for that or whatever the reasons are, but I definitely think he has all the tools to win the UFC title. It's about whether he uses the resources he has, and I don't think he uses them properly, and I don't know why.
“It's very frustrating for me to see, because I know what he is capable of, and what courage and champion mentality he has.
“I think it's more about adjusting the way he fights and using the weapons he has. He just doesn't use them and it's frustrating for me to watch them, to be honest.
“I think it's frustrating for a lot of people who are fans of his and want him to win because he can. He just isn't using the things God has given him. He doesn't use his wrestling at all, and it's very dominant. He is a very strong guy.”
“Let's get him fighting again, and if he's on the same trajectory and loses again, maybe he can get cut, and then just come to Bare Knuckle and do it without gloves.
“I think this is the kind of violence this world needs right now.”
What's next for Michael Chandler?
Chandler has been chasing a fight with McGregor for the past two years.
The 38-year-old finally got tired of waiting, so he took an interim fight with Charles Oliveira, who defeated him by unanimous decision at UFC 309 in November.
Chandler then turned his attention back to McGregor. Unfortunately for the American, it now appears he has been rejected by the Irishman once again.
'Notorious' is currently in talks for an exhibition boxing fight with Logan Paul.
What seemingly started as a chat on Twitter has quickly become a real possibility, meaning Chandler will have to look for a new opponent to face in 2025.
The only thing that is clear now is that his next fight will be in the UFC.
Then he could make an assault on Islam Makhchev's lightweight championship or switch lanes by taking off the gloves for a third fight with Alvarez.
Whatever happens, the final years of Chandler's career are sure to be exciting.
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