Despite bout scheduled for 170 pounds, Michael Chandler teases fighting Conor McGregor for the rumored 165-pound title

Michael Chandler teased fanbase about facing Conor McGregor in the rumored 165-pound class at UFC 303.

Despite bout scheduled for 170 pounds, Michael Chandler teases fighting Conor McGregor for the rumored 165-pound title

Michael Chandler anticipates competing against Conor McGregor for a title at 165-pounds (via Imago)

Michael Chandler is a man of many surprises. The former Bellator champion is known to keep fans on their toes. His latest comments about a potential title fight against Conor McGregor are no exception. Yes, they don’t have a title to compete, but what if the UFC creates a new division at 165 pounds?

Michael Chandler casually teased about a new division in a recent interview. He insinuated that UFC 303 showdown against McGregor could be for a brand new 165-pound title. Chandler hinted that the promotion might have a few tricks up its sleeve.

That was one of the rumors as well, right? 165 [pound] belt. Obviously, that has not happened...Even me in this position, man, I would not be surprised if all of a sudden that bout agreement comes over and says 'for the 165 [pound] title.' You never know, because the UFC has to keep a lot of things secret, even to us. [Our fight] should be for a belt, but we'll see if we can't make one up.
Michael Chandler via The MacLife
YouTube video

The prospect of a 165-pound division has remained a hot topic for years. Lightweight fighter Rafael Fiziev recently also commented on the creation of the 165-pound division. He stated that this was not a rumor and that the division was already being created. Chandler seemed under the impression that the UFC could be ready to pull the trigger on this divisional shakeup.

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If it happens, it would cause a ripple effect across the UFC. What better way to kick it off than with a marquee matchup between two of the sport’s biggest stars? Only time will tell if the 165-pound title tease has any truth to it. But one thing is certain: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will attract MMA fans to it like a moth to a candle!

Ben Askren was among the first to ask for the creation of a 165-pound division

Former Bellator and ONE FC champion Ben Askren has never been one to mince words regarding the world of MMA. The standout college wrestler was the first person to advocate for the 165-pound division publicly. Recently, he doubled down on his advocacy for a 165-pound division.

Ben Askren lobbies for 165 pound division
Ben Askren lobbies for 165-pound division (via Bleacher Report)

The introduction of a brand new 165-pound weight class remains an exciting proposal. Askren first asked for it during a backstage interview after UFC 230. He believed this addition would provide a stable platform for fighters who were too big for lightweight and small for welterweight.

I think everyone wants it. think it provides, from a business opportunity – not from me as a fighter – if I’m looking at it from a business opportunity… But you now have an extra belt, right? And the other thing is, it provides a lot of chances for super fight opportunities.
Ben Askren at UFC 230 backstage interview

On his weekly appearance on Daniel Cormier’s YT channel, the wrestler once again advocated for it. Askren didn’t stop there. He even went as far as to suggest that the UFC should consider adding even more weight classes, with a 10-pound gap in between each division. This would allow for more fights and more super fights in the organization. Only time will tell if Chandler’s tease and Askren’s wish become a reality or not.

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