Michael Chandler at UFC 257.
Michael Chandler at UFC 257. | Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Michael Chandler is trying to line up a big fight for next year.

Michael Chandler fell to 1-2 on his UFC career this past weekend after a barn-burner with Justin Gaethje. That unanimous decision loss came after a TKO defeat to Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title in May. Chandler, a former Bellator champion, debuted in the Octagon in January with a TKO win over Dan Hooker.

After his loss to Gaethje it didn't take long for Chandler to pivot to a new match-up. On Twitter the American posted a photo mock-up showing him facing off with former champion Conor McGregor, with a caption simply stating "2022'".

And the well-crafted photoshop image seems to have gotten the desired effect. McGregor replied to that image suggesting he was willing to take the fight "at some stage". McGregor also complimented Chandler on an exciting fight with Gaethje.

Chandler thanked McGregor for the compliment and added that it would be a "pleasure" to fight him.

Like Chandler, McGregor is coming off a loss to one of the elites at 155 lbs. This year he lost back-to-back contests to Dustin Poirier, someone he bested back in his featherweight days.

The first loss to Poirier was a second round TKO due to punches. The second loss was a first round TKO due to a doctor's stoppage resulting from a broken leg.

Since losing to Poirier for a third time, McGregor has grown increasingly distasteful and erratic online, threatening the lives of Poirier and his family and stating that he was eager to kill somebody inside the cage.

McGregor had surgery to repair his broken leg and has since been seen training and walking without assistance. It remains unclear when he will return to action.