Dana White doesn’t care about Michael Chandler’s record inside the octagon, because the entertainment factor is always there.
Michael Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) returned from a two-year layoff on Saturday and suffered a unanimous decision loss in his rematch with Charles Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) at UFC 309, which took place at Madison Square Garden. The lightweight contest was awarded Fight of the Night honors, but as a result the former Bellator champ saw his promotional record drop further below .500.
For Chandler, 38, the result hurts his push to challenge for the 155-pound title. But for White, the performance only further solidified what he already knew – that Chandler is a UFC lifer.
Joe Rogan watching Michael Chandler stand up with Charles Oliveira on his back and slamming him on the floor twice: "He is one strong motherCHANDLER!!!". 😂😂😂 In other news, Charles was so traumatised by Islam Makhachev, he did not even dare to call his name. UFC309 pic.twitter.com/CTGdTOPUnX
— Pam (@ParamPam1990) November 17, 2024
“He’s like an Arturo Gatti,” White told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at UFC 309. “He’s one of those – win, lose or draw, you’re never bummed out at the end of a Michael Chandler fight. … He’s always exciting, he’s always fun. The last round of that fight, he kept getting taken down. He got on his back. So when he got on his back at the end, he just stood up and started slamming him.
“The kid always tries to win. He always comes to fight and Michael Chandler’s always going to have a home here. Until he decides to retire, Michael Chandler isn’t going anywhere.”
Michael Chandler’s layoff from competition was the product of waiting for a fight against Conor McGregor that never materialized. White said McGregor is expected to make his own return to the cage in 2025, but it’s too soon to consider putting that fight back together.
“Will he fight Conor? I don’t know,” White said.
Dana White reacts to Michael Chandlers performance in the Co-Main Event at #UFC309
— MMA Crazy (@MMACrazy) November 17, 2024
Post fight content at MMA Crazy on YouTube ▶️ https://t.co/YtiAaPSwAR pic.twitter.com/ZDfd9dLB0M