MICHAEL CHANDLER has sensationally claimed his clash with Conor McGregor is OFF.
The former three-time Bellator lightweight champion was expected to welcome the UFC poster boy back to the Octagon in June.
The Notorious’ injury, however, derailed the joust – which was first announced last February – and seemingly postponed it until later in the year.
But Chandler hinted that their long-awaited showdown is now a thing of the past during an explosive X-line with the Irish.
He said: “Forget it, guys… I think it’s time to finally admit that the fight is over.
“He is still in stage 2 of 7 grief related to the end of his career.
“I thought he would be close to 5 by now. Good luck @TheNotoriousMMA.”
McGregor, 36, wasted no time responding to Chandler’s claim, insisting he would gladly replace him with former rival Max Holloway.
He said, “Lol, ok bro, hand changed. @BlessedMMA, what are you in December?
“The real BMF, you know.”
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Inside McGregor’s Notorious Lifestyle
With more sides to his personality than an octagon, Conor McGregor’s rise has been fascinating.
Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t set foot in the Octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier three years ago.
The IrishChandler’s comeback matchup was ruined by a broken little toe on his left foot, which he suffered in one of his last practices.
It is understood that UFC bosses have booked their final pay-per-view of the year – UFC 310 – for the rescheduled Return of the Mac.
And in one exclusive interview with SunSportMcGregor revealed that he enjoys completing the promotion’s PPV calendar.
The UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight world champion told SunSport: “That looks good to me.
“That sounds good to me, brother.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story