Michael Chandler (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about the possibility of Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson coaching TUF and then fighting. But, according to Michael Chandler, there is still considerable interest in him facing McGregor.

Several days ago, Ferguson claimed on social media that he had been offered the TUF gig, opposite of McGregor. The comments came not long after McGregor had reported he had been asked about coaching on TUF once again.

Chandler has repeatedly called for a fight with McGregor in the past, and while appearing on the “Believe You Me” podcast, he commented on Ferguson’s recent claim (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I know for sure that was definitely just a tweet thrown out there to see if it gained any traction. Obviously, everybody knows I would be down. Me, Conor, on TUF, whether it be four-six weeks, however long we would be filming that thing. The tension, the rivalry, the competition, the trash talk, just the animosity that would be built up and then go into a training camp and fight later on after the show.

“I want the fight. Everybody knows that. The fans want the fight. Dana has gone public saying he wants that fight so the UFC wants the fight. I’ve actually heard from numerous UFC people that that’s the fight that a lot of people are talking about. Man, huge fight. Could you imagine the first round? Two dudes trying to finish each other in the first round. Massive.”

The 36-year-old Chandler (23-8) is coming off a submission loss to Dustin Poirier in November, which followed his vicious knockout win over Ferguson in May.