Michael Chandler: ‘I can fight Conor with one day in the USADA testing pool’
BOSTON, MA – Michael Chandler is ready to fight Conor McGregor.
Even if that means McGregor does not spend six months testing in the USADA pool.
“That, to me, is a very gray area,” says Chandler, who spoke in Boston at UFC 292. “I can fight Conor with one day in the USADA testing pool or one year in the USADA testing pool. It’s not going to make a difference.”
Chandler has not competed since November. At this point, a year will pass by the time he competes again. McGregor mentioned that their bout will take place in December, and Chandler is open to that, even if it means McGregor does not spend six months testing in the USADA pool.
“Obviously being in the USADA testing is a prerequisite to being in the UFC,” says Chandler. “What I’m saying is, are we splitting hairs with the whole, ‘He’s got to be in for six months’ thing? How long was Bo Nickal’s opponent [Val Woodburn] in the USADA testing pool? This is what we do all the time.”
If not December, Chandler is open to the idea of headlining UFC 300 next spring against McGregor, or even competing against a different fighter.
“That card makes a lot of sense,” says Chandler. “For a guy who came from outside the organization, and was outside the organization for 12 years and now stormed the UFC and kicked down the door at the party, I think it makes a ton of sense for me to be on UFC 300. Whether it’s me and Conor, or me and whoever, I’d like to be on UFC 300.”
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
