Michael Chandler has shared his thoughts on Conor McGregor’s impending return to the octagon and conveyed a message to the Irish fighter. McGregor is set to make his comeback after a five-year hiatus, facing Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11.
Chandler had long hoped to be McGregor’s opponent upon his return. However, it appears the UFC has shifted its focus away from making this highly anticipated matchup happen in the immediate future.
The rivalry between Chandler and McGregor intensified when they served as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 31 in 2023. Their scheduled fight at UFC 303 in June 2024 was ultimately canceled when McGregor withdrew due to a toe injury. Chandler waited for a potential rescheduling, but as McGregor became involved in other commitments, including BKFC duties, presidential aspirations, and legal matters, “Iron” instead faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss.
Chandler is currently on a three-fight losing streak. He aims to break this streak with a victory against Mauricio Ruffy on June 14 at the White House event, predicting a knockout finish. In a recent interview, Chandler stated, “I’m going to knock out Mauricio Ruffy on the White House lawn, and then we’ll see what happens after that.”
Michael Chandler Reacts to Conor McGregor’s Return, Will Attend UFC 329 to Watch
In the same interview, Michael Chandler reflected on the fight with Conor McGregor that never materialized. He expressed that the prospect of that fight now feels distant and that he harbors no lingering emotions about its cancellation or the lack of a rebooking.
“It’s funny, man. Me vs. Conor, whether it was The Ultimate Fighter in the lead-up, then the actual training camp, then the pullout of the fight, and the possible rebooking. This whole thing has been an up-and-down soap opera for the better part of a couple of years. As big as it was, as entrenched as I was in it, I just feel like Iโm a million miles away now. I donโt really have any emotions about it, and maybe itโs because, obviously, Iโm focused on Mauricio Ruffy at the White House.”
Despite his current detachment, “Iron” believes that he and McGregor will eventually compete, regardless of the promotion. He feels the narrative, animosity, and mutual respect are all present, creating the perfect conditions for a major event.
“Whether me and Conor fight in the UFC or not, Conor and I will compete against each other at some point, in some venue, somewhere, somehow, some way. The story is there, the animosity is there, but also the mutual respect is already there. Itโs got all the makings of a blockbuster. So if it happens down the line, it happens down the line. But I wish him well and itโs good to hear obviously. I know they wanted that fight. I wanted the fight. Obviously the UFC had different plans, and the UFC has every right to make whatever fight they want to make. So, here we are.”
Chandler also extended his well wishes to Conor McGregor for his upcoming fight against Max Holloway.
“I wish Conor well. The sport is a better place when Conor McGregor is training and on his way back. Max got the nod. Weโll get to see them compete here. Itโs only five weeks away. Iโll be there cageside watching, very interested in how that fight goes.”
