Michael Chandler remains focused on a potential showdown with Conor McGregor, despite McGregor’s upcoming fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11. Chandler, who was slated to face McGregor at UFC 303 before an injury to “The Notorious” caused the event’s cancellation, expressed his current detachment from that specific matchup but acknowledged its continued appeal.
Chandler and McGregor’s rivalry intensified during their coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter 31 in 2023. The highly anticipated fight scheduled for UFC 303 was a significant setback for Chandler, who has since lost to Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett, putting him on a three-fight losing streak.
Looking ahead, Chandler is determined to return to winning ways against Mauricio Ruffy on June 14 at the White House event. He confidently stated in an interview with Mike Bohn, “I’m going to knock out Mauricio Ruffy on the White House lawn, and then we’ll see what happens after that.”
Reflecting on the McGregor fight, Chandler admitted, “I just feel like I’m a million miles away from it now. I don’t really have any emotions about it.” He believes that despite the UFC’s current plans, a fight between him and McGregor is still a strong possibility in the future, regardless of the promotion, due to their established narrative and mutual respect.
Chandler also extended his well wishes to McGregor for his upcoming bout, stating, “I wish Conor well. The sport is a better place when Conor McGregor is training and on his way back.” He confirmed his intention to be present cageside for McGregor’s fight with Max Holloway, expressing keen interest in the outcome.
English Translation:
Michael Chandler Still Chasing Conor McGregor Fight, Predicts Violent Finish on June 14 Against Mauricio Ruffy
Michael Chandler has commented on Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon on July 11 and has a message for the Irishman. The former UFC double champion is set to return after five years to rematch Max Holloway at UFC 329.
While Chandler had hoped to be McGregor’s opponent upon his return, the UFC is no longer prioritizing this particular matchup. Chandler and McGregor served as opposing coaches on TUF 31 in 2023. Their planned fight in the main event of UFC 303 in 2024 was ultimately canceled when “The Notorious” withdrew due to a toe injury. Chandler endured a significant wait for the bout to be rescheduled. However, as McGregor became involved with BKFC duties, presidential aspirations, and legal matters, “Iron” instead faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, suffering a unanimous decision loss.
Last year, Chandler fought Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 and was defeated in the third round by the British fighter, who also inflicted damage to Chandler’s face. The 40-year-old fighter is currently on a three-fight losing streak and aims to secure a victory by knocking out Mauricio Ruffy on June 14 at the White House event. In an interview with Mike Bohn, he 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, Plans to Watch from Cageside at UFC 329
During the same interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Michael Chandler discussed the fight against Conor McGregor that never materialized. He added that he now feels “a million miles away” from that fight and no longer harbors strong emotions about its cancellation or failure to be rebooked.
“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 I’m a million miles away now. I don’t really have any emotions about it, and maybe it’s because, obviously, I’m focused on Mauricio Ruffy at the White House.”
However, “Iron” believes he and McGregor will compete at some point in the future, whether it be under the UFC banner or in another promotion, as both parties desire the bout. He explained:
“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. It’s 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 it’s 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 offered his best wishes to Conor McGregor for the Max Holloway rematch:
“I wish Conor well. The sport is a better place when Conor McGregor is training and on his way back. Max got the nod. We’ll get to see them compete here. It’s only five weeks away. I’ll be there cageside watching, very interested in how that fight goes.”