Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler’s drama called ‘MMA Soap Opera’ as Irishman continues to flirt with money fight

Daniel Cormier draws parallels between the Conor McGregor - Michael Chandler fight negotiations and a soap opera, highlighting Chandler's continuous efforts to secure a bout with McGregor.

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler’s drama called ‘MMA Soap Opera’ as Irishman continues to flirt with money fight

Daniel Cormier calls Conor McGregor - Michael Chandler situation a Soap Opera (Image via: Instagram, IMAGO)

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler were rival coaches in the recent season of the Ultimate Fighter. Many believed that the two would lock horns inside the octagon after the conclusion of the series. However, McGregor’s late re-entry into the USADA testing pool pushed his return to early 2024. In the interim, Chandler has not fought anybody.

Former UFC double champion and current UFC commentator Daniel Cormier provided his two cents on the Chandler – McGregor situation. This is what he said on his DC End of Year Show on his YouTube channel:

This Michael Chandler - Conor McGregor situation is a mixed martial arts soap opera. So now Mike has been constantly chasing Conor...... Because at every single step, he has agreed to, he has said okay, he has made concessions, he has almost agreed and done anything he possibly can to ensure that fight still happens. And McGregor, for his part, just keeps playing him to the left. ...... It's like having a girlfriend that messes around on you or something, and then you take her back, and she'll do it again, or she yells at you, and you take her back, she'll do it again because you just keep accepting Mike just keeps accepting this behavior.
Daniel Cormier via YT
YouTube video

Daniel Cormier compared the situation between McGregor and Chandler to a soap opera. Cormier grew up in the 80s when soap operas were more popular than they are today. He compared Chandler to the boyfriend who accepts the girlfriend, in this case McGregor, no matter what she does, similar to some soap operas.

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Aside from Chandler, Nate Diaz, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje are the other names in contention to face McGregor. McGregor has a history with Diaz and Poirier, which makes it intriguing. A fight against Gaethje is also intriguing due to his position as the BMF champion.

Daniel Cormier advises Michael Chandler to move on from Conor McGregor fight

Daniel Cormier had intense rivalries throughout his career. In college, he had a notable rivalry with the 2004 Athens Olympic champion Cael Sanderson. In the UFC, Cormier had a heated rivalry with Jon Jones at light heavyweight and Stipe Miocic at heavyweight.

Daniel Cormier advises Michael Chandler from Conor McGregor fight
Daniel Cormier advises Michael Chandler from Conor McGregor fight (Image via: IMAGO)

Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor have had a budding rivalry ever since the two coached opposite at TUF 31. However, Cormier did not think it was beneficial for Chandler. He advised Chandler on his YouTube show. This is what he said:

I think at some point, he's (Michael Chandler) gonna have to stand firm and say, 'You know what, to hell with you. I'm gonna go on with my career,' because in Mike's mind, he still has a championship run in him.
Daniel Cormier to Michael Chandler

Cormier wanted Chandler to move on with his career. He did not want him to wait for a fight with Conor McGregor. Cormier agreed with Chandler’s assessment that he had a title run left in him. The former two-division champion wanted Chandler to pursue that route instead of a money fight with McGregor.

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